Formation mechanism and dynamics in polymer surface gratings

We present the results of time-dependent x-ray and visible light (VIS) scattering measurements during formation of surface relief grating (SRG). These gratings are formed on polymer films containing azobenzene side groups during pulselike exposure with a holographic pattern of circularly polarized light at 488 nm. The SRG formation is accompanied by a density grating just below the film surface. Assuming viscoelastic flow, a change in polymer's elastic properties upon light exposure can explain the massive material transport. Finite element calculations reveal a dynamic model of grating formation characterized by different relaxation times. The simultaneous formation of a surface relief grating and of a density grating explains quantitatively the findings of the VIS experiment, but only qualitatively the findings of the x-ray measurements.