Photo-induced refractive index and topographical surface gratings in functionalized nanocarbon solid film

We demonstrate that a single-walled carbon nanotube network noncovalently coupled with a pyrene-modified azo-benzene chromophore functions as a host matrix for a broad range of photo-orientation and photomechanical effects. The chromophore could be efficiently reoriented through repeated trans-cis-t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied physics letters 2015-11, Vol.107 (18)
Main Authors: McGee, David J., Ferrie, John, Plachy, Aljoscha, Joo, Yongho, Choi, Jonathan, Kanimozhi, Catherine, Gopalan, Padma
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied physics
Azo compounds
Benzene
Carbon
Chromophores
Gratings (spectra)
Isomerization
Linear polarization
Nanotubes
Photosensitivity
Refractivity
Single wall carbon nanotubes
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Summary:We demonstrate that a single-walled carbon nanotube network noncovalently coupled with a pyrene-modified azo-benzene chromophore functions as a host matrix for a broad range of photo-orientation and photomechanical effects. The chromophore could be efficiently reoriented through repeated trans-cis-trans isomerization under linearly polarized 480 nm light, with Δn of 0.012 at 650 nm and fast characteristic rise-times of 0.12 s. Erasable phase diffraction gratings could also be written, with permanent surface relief gratings forming at sufficiently long irradiation times. In addition to demonstrating a mechanism for photo-manipulation of single-walled carbon nanotubes, these results show photo-orientation of chromophores in azo-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube networks as a path towards the photosensitive tuning of the electrostatic environment of the nanotube.
ISSN:0003-6951
1077-3118
DOI:10.1063/1.4934864