Molecular alignment in submicron patterned polymer matrix using nanoimprint lithography

We report a promising approach to align molecules in a polymer film patterned by nanoimprint lithography. We found that molecules and chromophores are spontaneously aligned in the plane of the film during the nanopatterning process. Since the polymer–chromophore ~called guest–host! system plays an important role in the field of nonlinear optics and organic optoelectronics, in this letter we present a technique to combine the high-resolution patterning capability of nanoimprint lithography with the ability to control molecule and chromophore orientation. It opens up a way to realize new molecular electronic and optoelectronic devices. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. @S0003-6951~00!00328-4#