Abstract

We demonstrate polarization-dependent photothermal beam deflection as a powerful tool for analyzing quasi-two-dimensional molecular orientation. As examples we used two laser-beam-oriented polymer systems: DR1 in pol(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and PMMA with covalently bound DR1 and for comparison Phenol Blue in PMMA. Different order parameters C₂, for these systems have been found. It was also possible to orient by laser beam the DR1 chromophores cyclically by changing the polarization direction of the orienting laser beam and following these chromophore reorientations. The long-term stability of the orientation was investigated as well. The irreversible bleaching that is due to this laser treatment could be determined. Angular hole burning could easily be detected in these systems.

© 1996 Optical Society of America

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