Abstract

The optical properties of a variety of azopolymers have been extensively investigated owing to their potential for photonic applications, mainly as optical memory devices. The possibility of thickness control and surface uniformity has prompted us to investigate these materials in the form ofultrathin Langmuir- Blodgett (LB) films. In this work we describe optical storage features of mixed LB films of DRI9-MDI and cadmium stearate, which are compared with previous results from other azopolymers, specifically HPPR13 (Poly[4'-[[2-(methacryloyloxy (ethyl] ethylamino]-2- chloro-4-nitroazobenzene])¹ and DR19-IPDI (disperse red-19 isophorone polyurethane).² Differences in behavior are related to distinct structural and thermal characteristics of the polymers.

© 2000 Optical Society of America