Smart photoresponsive polymer systems organized in two dimensions

Light can be used as a precise stimulus by selecting suitable wavelengths, polarization directions, and intensity, allowing non-contact control. When photoresponsive (mostly photochromic) molecular units are combined with polymeric materials and liquid-crystalline materials, various types of smart photofunctions can be created. Smart functions involve photomechanical responses, photoalignment of anisotropic materials, orientational amplifications, photoinduced phase changes, photo-tuning of microphase separated structures in block copolymers, and so forth. This article reviews our research strategies, backgrounds, and topics to put forth smart functions in polymer systems organized in two dimensions. It is anticipated that light-driven smart film systems will find many versatile applications as promising future materials.