Rational Design and Synthesis of New Azobenzene Materials for Use in Broadband Laser Eye and Sensor Protection

The proposed syntheses of new, specifically designed azobenzene derivatives will expand the armamentarium of materials needed to address deficiencies in current use of lasers which cause serious damage to human eyes and sensing devices. The proposal outlines one-step syntheses of several novel azobenzene model compounds, including those which enhance both the rate of trans-cis-trans isomerizations of the azo linkage and broadband coverage. In addition, a new class of three-dimensional high molecular weight dendritic azobenzene materials will be prepared. All of these materials will be evaluated by characterizing ground-state UV-Vis-IR absorption and by measurement of photoinduced anisotropy.