title: Self-induced transparency in diblock copolymer dispersions.
abstract: We report on the versatile effect of weak red laser light impinging on diblock copolymer [poly(isoprene-b-styrene)] dispersions in two selective solvents for each block. In the strongly scattering but transparent micellar solutions in hexane (a good solvent for polyisoprene), higher refractive index copolymer-rich fibers were formed. In the turbid dispersions of the same copolymer in ethyl acetate (a good solvent for polystyrene), the effect of self-induced transparency was observed. A two-step patterning mechanism caused the generation of a transparent microchannel, increasing light transmission. The analogy between the current effect and that observed in homopolymer polyisoprene solutions in different solvents is discussed toward an understanding of the unanticipated light-soft-matter interaction.
authors: Max-Planck-Institute for Polymer Research, Mainz, Germany. anyfanta@mpip-mainz.mpg.de
authors: Manos
authors: M
authors: Anyfantakis
authors: Benoit
authors: B
authors: Loppinet
authors: George
authors: G
authors: Fytas
authors: Christos
authors: C
authors: Mantzaridis
authors: Stergios
authors: S
authors: Pispas
authors: Hans-Jürgen
authors: HJ
authors: Butt