A series of cholesteric copolymers containing combined chiral-photochromic
side-groups has been obtained and their phase behaviour, optical and photo-
optical properties have been studied. All copolymers are characterized by s
elective light reflection in the visible and IR spectral regions. It is sho
wn that the light can be used as a very effective regulated 'external field
' to control locally supramolecular structure and the optical properties of
polymer films. The synthesized polymers are shown to be promising candidat
es for colour data recording. (C) 2000 Society of Chemical Industry.