A series of novel poly(aryl ether)s containing bisazobenzene moieties (bisazo-PAEs) have been synthesized based on a new bisazobenzene monomer, 4-(4-(4-nitrophenyl)diazenylphenyl)diazenylphenyl)-2,6-difluorobenzenesulfonate. Their chemical structures and properties were characterized by means of infrared, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopies. These polymers show good thermal stability with glass transition temperatures above 160°C. the bisazo-PAEs show significant photoisomerization effect after irradiation with 405 nm light. By exposing the bisazo-PAEs films to an interference pattern of laser beams at modest intensity, significant surface-relief gratings can be formed.
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