A multilayer film was deposited by molecular deposition onto aminoprop
ylsilanated silicon or quartz through the alternate salt-forming react
ion of a monester of polymaleic acid containing an azobenzene-sulphoni
c salt side chain and a bipolar quaternary ammonium bearing biphenyl m
esogenic group. UV-visible and polarized UV-visible spectra were emplo
yed to study the growing process and the aggregation of chromophore. A
well-ordered superlattice structure was identified by X-ray diffracti
on.