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Synthesis of a photoresponsive polymer and its incorporation into an organic superlattice.

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/921726· OSTI ID:921726

The synthesis of a photoswitchable polymer by grafting an azobenzene dye to methacrylate followed by polymerization is presented. The azobenzene dye undergoes a trans-cis photoisomerization that causes a persistent change in the refractive index of cast polymer films. This novel polymer was incorporated into superlattices prepared by spin casting and the optical activity of the polymer was maintained. A modified coextruder that allows the rapid production of soft matter superlattices was designed and fabricated.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratories
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
921726
Report Number(s):
SAND2005-0144
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English