Polarization-sensitive compositions of organic dyes

We present the results of our investigation of photoanisotropy and photogyrotropy in the compositions of several dye mixtures in a polymer matrix. A variety of light-sensitive media are available today in which polarized light induces photophysical and photochemical processes that result in photoanisotropy and photogyrotropy. Among these media the materials on the basis of organic dyes in a polymer matrix are available. The photochemical behavior of single dyes usually differs from their behavior in mixtures; it is, therefore, natural to assume that photoanisotropic properties of dye mixtures will also differ. Based on these assumptions we created several compositions of organic dyes from different classes. The physical and chemical properties as well as the mechanisms responsible for anisotropy of the dyes used in this investigation differ significantly. A special technique was needed to make the most of their photoanisotropic properties. (C) 2009 Optical Society of America