Patent ID: 6284418
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: C09K,G02B,G03H,G11B,G11C

Abstract:
A method of preparing an optical element, said method comprising the steps of:(a) providing a biopolymer solution comprising a biopolymer in a heliogenic solvent, said biopolymer forming an .alpha.-helical structure in said biopolymer solution;(b) dispensing said biopolymer solution between a pair of electrodes, said biopolymer solution having a surface;(c) applying an electric field between said electrodes and parallel to said surface of said biopolymer solution to thereby orient said biopolymer with respect to said electric field, said heliogenic solvent evaporating upon said application of said electric field to form an oriented biopolymer film; and(d) incorporating a photoresponsive compound into said oriented biopolymer film.