Generation of sub-micrometer surface relief gratings in an azobenzene-containing material using a 355 nm laser

Controlled effective fabrication of surface relief gratings (SRG) of different periods and dimensionality in an azobenzene-containing polyelectrolyte material using an UV-laser operating at 355 nm was demonstrated for the first time. The application of an UV-laser in combination with Lloyd's interferometer allows the accurate control of grating period and the generation of gratings with small period down to 180 nm. The SRG formation is related to the kinetics of the steady state of the trans-cis photoisomerization of a PAZO film at UV exposure. The replication of the manufactured gratings using soft lithography is demonstrated as well.