A novel principle of molecular architecture for monolayers containing
azobenzene moieties is presented which allows the chromophores to be o
rganized with a high density and with sufficient mobility for photoche
mical change. This monolayer represents a new medium for a data storag
e system; each single azobenzene group is in principle capable of stor
ing the information of 1 bit. The physical properties of this monolaye
r have been investigated at the air-water interface. Data storage in t
he micrometer range is demonstrated with a single monolayer transferre
d on glass.