Two-Dimensional Manipulation of Poly(3-dodecylthiophene) using Light-Driven Instant Mass Migration as a Molecular Conveyer

Microrelief structures were optically inscribed on binary polymer blend films which consist of a liquid crystalline azobenzene polymer as a host matrix and π-conjugated poly(3-dodecylthiophene) as a guest functional polymer. In this process, full migrations occurred to a level where the bare substrate surface was exposed within only 20 s. The inscribed film exhibited a high-contrast fluorescent pattern corresponding to the relief structure. We can conclude that poly(3-dodecylthiophene) is transferred together with the active migration of the azobenzene polymer. The light-driven mass migration technique which works as a molecular conveyer is useful in the two-dimensional patterning of functional materials.