Molecular weight effect on the photoinduced birefringence and surface relief gratings formation of a methacrylate azopolymer

Samples of a methacrylic side-chain azopolymer were synthesized by a radical copolymerization of methyl-methacrylate with the methacrylic derivative of the commercial dye Disperse Red-13 (DR13). Copolymers with different molecular weight were obtained by varying the reaction time and the concentration of initiator. Samples with molecular weight averages (Mw) from 3 to 8 × 104 g/mol and 1.4–1.7 polydispersity were obtained. The glass transition temperature of the samples increased linearly from the lower to the highest molecular weight. Optical quality cast films were prepared for all samples and photoinduced birefringence was successfully carried out in all samples as well as surface relief gratings could be inscribed in the cast films.