PD08 Reversion of Orientation Direction and Optical Switching of Photo-cross-linkable Polymer Liquid Crystals Containing Azobenzene Side Groups

Abstract

This study presents a control of in-plane orientation direction in a polymethacrylate copolymer liquid crystal film substituted with 4-methoxyazobenzene (4MAz) and 4-methoxycinnamoyloxybiphenyl (4MCB) side groups and optical switching behavior of the resultant oriented film. Irradiation with linearly polarized ultraviolet (LPUV) light and subsequent annealing generates high degree of in-plane molecular orientation of the film. The reversion of orientation direction is observed cooperatively for both 4MAz and 4MCB groups. In addition, optical recording and switching of the resultant birefringent film is demonstrated by employing the photoisomerization of 4MAz side groups using NP405 nm light.