Photo-induced birefringence investigation of azo polymer with cyano substituted group

Light-induced behavior of polymethacrylate with side chain mesogenic groups of cyano azobenzene was investigated. The intensity of absorption peaks increase when the polymer film was illuminated by pump beam. The birefringence induced by high powers of linearly polarized light shows extraordinary behavior. When the polymer film was kept in the dark, a long-term stability was revealed. The birefringence can be induced by illumination of circularly polarized light. OPM photographs show liquid crystalline behavior of polymer.