Sub-micrometer patterns of molecular photo-switches using Laser Induced Molecular Implantation Techniques (LIMIT)

Using laser induced molecular implantation techniques (LIMIT) in thin polymer films highly space selective patterning of photochromic molecules has been created of 800 nm dimensions. In this way diffraction gratings have been fabricated which operate as photo-switching devices. These transient gratings are permanent molecular implants in a polymer films that can be UV-irradiation activated or thermally deactivated. No further grating writing is required for this transient switching effect once the permanent implantation has been made.