Supramolecular Azopolymers for Dynamic Surface Microstructures Using Digital Polarization Optics

Thin film supramolecular azopolymers support the all‐optical generation of dynamic surface microstructures. Using a spatial light modulator (SLM) illuminated at 488 nm, structured polarized light drives surface waves of sinusoidal profile with periods 700 nm–5 µm at speeds up to 1 µm s−1. Multiple regions on the film surface within the SLM focal plane can be independently set into motion, each with unique period, speed, amplitude, and propagation direction. The underlying mechanism is the photomechanical response of the azopolymer, which is more commonly exploited for the fabrication of static surface microstructures. Hydrogen‐bonded systems such as the supramolecular system described here are particularly advantageous due to their facile fabrication from commercially available components. In addition to applications in dynamic diffractive optics, this programmable system for optical surface waves is well‐suited for studies in nanoparticle manipulation, as well as in bioengineering as a reconfigurable surface template for directed cell growth. Structured polarized light is combined with the photomechanical response of supramolecular azopolymer thin films to drive dynamic microstructures on the film surface. Surface waves with periods 700 nm–5 µm at speeds up to 1 µm s−1 are set into independent and simultaneous motion at multiple regions on the film, with applications in nanoparticle manipulation, bioengineering, and diffractive optics.