Non-volatile optical memory based on cooperative orientation switching: improvement of recording speed and contrast by utilizing out-of-plane orientation mode

Herein, we report a novel strategy toward non-volatile optical memory with high-contrast, high-speed recording, and non-destructive readout capability based on the cooperative out-of-plane orientation of a fluorescent dye doped into azobenzene liquid crystalline polymer film. By employing the out-of-plane orientation switching upon irradiation with UV light and thermal heating, high-contrast turn-on fluorescence switching was successfully achieved and the optical recording was demonstrated with non-destructive fluorescence readout capability. Furthermore, the recording speed and the fluorescence on/off contrast in the present system were dramatically improved compared to the previous in-plane orientation mode. Graphical abstract