Photoinduced orientational dynamics of azophenylcarbazole molecules in polycarbonate

The synthesis and new optical features of four azophenylcarbazoles are described. All-optical poling of the azophenylcarbazoles with different donor groups was investigated. The highest optical poling efficiency (χ(2)≃0.72pm/V) was measured for relative larger molecules (branched). Parameters describing mobility of the azophenylcarbazoles (orientational diffusion coefficient vary from 2.2 × 10−5 s−1 to 8 × 10−5 s−1) were extracted using an adopted model. Photoinduced erasure while reading the poled media turned out to be more pronounced for less developed structures (less branched donor). Different polymer materials were investigated as the host matrix for the most interesting azophenylcarbazole molecule.

► We see carbazole based chromophore as a new material for non-linear optics technology. ► We show how donor architecture influences the orientational diffusion of chromophores. ► Experiment demonstrates how reading process effects the all-optical poling process.