ANISOTROPY OF THE PHOTOINDUCED TRANSLATION DIFFUSION OF AZOBENZENE DYES IN POLYMER MATRICES

Large-amplitude negative holographic surface-relief gratings are optic ally induced by resonant visible exposure in azobenzene dye-containing polymers. We propose a simple diffusion model accounting for the esse ntial dynamic features of surface-relief grating formation. It account s for intensity and polarization dependences. Understanding of the pro cess appears to be essential for holographic grating applications. It opens new perspectives associated with optically controlled anisotropi c diffusion.