According to our studies of polarization-sensitive materials based on azochromophores and polymers in recent years, a factor significantly influencing their photoanisotropic properties has been revealed. The degree of molecular integration of the material components (light-absorbing centers and polymer matrix) is in direct connection with the level of achievable birefringence in media obtained on their basis. This paper considers the results of a study of the integration of polarization-sensitive materials by means of molecular electrostatic forces. Experimental data of the photoanisotropic behavior of optical media based on advisedly designed organic chromophore salts with the participation of almost all alkali metals are shown. Lithium (Li⁺), sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), cesium (Cs⁺) and hydrogen (H⁺) are used as cations for these polarized light-receiver organic salts, and as an anion, on the other hand, is a residue of functional monoazo dye. The obtained light-absorbing organic salts are doped into the hydrophilic polymer matrix having good lyophilic compatibility. To study the induction of photoanisotropy in the obtained photosensitive materials, we investigate the effect of actinic polarized light on them with wavelengths of 445 nm and 532 nm and variation of reading wavelengths (at 532 nm and 635 nm) depending on the spectral characteristics of the test samples. Optimum parameters of exposure for each composition are determined experimentally. The kinetic curves of the induction of photoanisotropy in the new comparing polarization-sensitive media are shown as light-induced effective photoanisotropy for the various illumination conditions.

Date Published: 14 September 2018
PDF: 7 pages
Proc. SPIE 10742, Optical Manufacturing and Testing XII, 107421K (14 September 2018); doi: 10.1117/12.2324568

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 10742:
Optical Manufacturing and Testing XII
Ray Williamson; Dae Wook Kim; Rolf Rascher, Editor(s)