Refractive index modulation in the films containing single and dual chromophore system

Abstract

Photochromic properties of polymer films containing spirooxazine (SP) and copolymer containing diazo chromophores (IZO) were investigated. The SP underwent photoisomerization under exposure to UV light yielding open forms of merocyanines manifested by strong absorption band at ca. 600 nm. The spectra of SP film in transparent polymer matrix, recorded for a single component and for a mixture with IZO copolymer, revealed sensitivity of the materials to UV and visible light. The ellipsometric measurements showed a distinct change of refractive index of the UV treated films on bleaching by exposure to the red and green light. Treatment of the film in two-beam coupling arrangement with 532 nm linearly polarized laser light confirmed the formation of diffraction grating. The study of photoizomerization was accompanied by quantum chemical calculations of spectral and nonlinear optical properties of spirooxazine and merocyanine forms.