Reversible optical data storage

摘要

The invention relates to a device for reversible optical information storage using a polymeric liquid- crystalline storage medium, the storage medium comprising a macroscopically aligned film of a liquid- crystalline polymer which contains photochromic groups. Information storage takes place by local disorientation of the molecules, induced by photoisomerisation by means of a selectively acting light source. …Also disclosed are homopolymers prepared by free radical polymerisation of the monomer… …… where R1 is hydrogen or methyl.