| abstract |
The chiroptical switches constitute polymer chains bearing chromophoric functional groups with the ability to undergo geometrical re-alignment upon irradiation with polarized light to yield a measurable chiral anisotropy. The switches are fabricated by deposition of a compound containing at least one functional group and attachment of chiro-optical molecule to the functional group. Preferably the functional group is an epoxide, especially glycidyl methacrylate applied using pulsed plasma. Preferably the chiro-optical molecule includes azobenzene, pyrrolidine and chiral groups, and is especially (S)-3-methyl-3-amino-1(4-cyano-4-azobenzene) pyrrolidine. The switch is used in optical devices, data storage and nano-scale machines. |