On the Physical Parameters and Relaxation Processes in Nematic Azobenzene Polymers for Optical Nanowriting

The possibility of achieving devices for rewritable optical storage is provided by liquid‐crystalline polymers with azobenzene side groups, because they undergo photochemically induced trans‐cis reversible isomerization. In this work we overview our investigations into a nematic azobenzene‐polymethacrylate (PMA4) as a suitable material for optical nanowriting. Relaxation processes over different time‐length scales are discussed with particular reference to understanding the interplay between homogeneity at the molecular level, bit stability and working temperature range.