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.