Abstract
Substituted azobenzene molecules (DR1, DO3, DR17, DY7, Magneson1, DR19C1 and DR19CICI) are grafted onto a silicon alkoxide precursor. Films are prepared by the sol-gel process. We have conducted preliminary optical experiments with DR1 and DO3 functionalized oxide gels. Optical information is written on the sol-gel film via the trans-cis-trans photoisomerization process with a polarized argon laser beam and read with a low power He-Ne laser. A stable signal (up to 60% of the maximum birefringence) is read a long time after the writing beam had been turned off. This shows the ability of the azo oxide gels to store optical information.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Todorov, T., Tomova, N., and Nikolova, L., Opt. Comm. 47 (2), 123 (1983).
Lückemeyer, T. and Franke, H., Appl. Phys. Lett. 53 (21), 2017 (1988).
Dumont, M. and Sekkat, Z., SPIE Proc. Ser. 1774, 188 (1992).
Xie, S., Natansohn, A., and Rochon, P., Chem. Mater. 5 (4), 403 (1993).
Chaput, F., Riehl, D., Levy, Y., and Boilot, J.P., Chem. Mater. 5 (5), 589 (1993).
Sekkat, Z., Thesis, Université de Paris-Sud, Orsay (1992).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Chaput, F., Boilot, JP., Riehl, D. et al. Modified sol-gel films for optical storage. J Sol-Gel Sci Technol 2, 779–782 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00486349
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00486349