Dynamics of photoinduced processes in liquid-crystal polymer films containing azo compounds

The photoinduced processes in azo-compound-containing side-chain polymer films with liquid-crystal properties are examined theoretically. A model is proposed whereby it is possible to consider the dynamics of the optical response of a medium taking into account the anisotropic saturation in the angular distribution of the azo-dye isomers as well as the intermolecular interaction. The influence of the liquid-crystal ordering in the polymer is taken into account by introducing a phenomenological mean-field factor. Analytical solutions describing changes in the optical properties of a polymer film during the initial illumination stages are in good agreement with experimental data.