Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
A series of azobenzene functionalized polymers has been synthesized by post polymerization azo coupling reaction. Photo-fabrication of surface relief gratings were studied on the polymer films. Epoxy based azo polymers were prepared by post azo coupling reaction to form polymers containing donor-acceptor type azo chromophores. The azo chromophores were designed to contain ionizable groups to impart self-assembling and photoprocessing capabilities to the polymers. The polymers containing 4-(4-(carboxylic acid)phenylazo)aniline chromophores can be directly photofabricated to form surface relief gratings with large surface modulations. Charge interactions had a strong influence on the details of the writing process. A new soluble polydiacetylene, post-functionalized with azobenzene groups was also prepared. Large amplitude surface gratings could be fabricated on this polydiacetylene film as well.