The role of the polymer host on reversible photodegradation in Disperse Orange 11 dye

The photodegradation and recovery process in anthraquinone chromophores have been characterized using am­ plified spontaneous emission (ASE) in several Anthraquinone derivatives doped in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). To understand the mechanisms of self healing in disperse orange 11 (DOll) doped in PMMA and the role of the host polymer, we investigated reversible photodegradation in DOll doped in copolymer composed of different percentages of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and Styrene. The results suggest that the host polymer is an important factor in determining the distribution of domain sizes of dye molecules.