| Research Abstract |
Photochromic groups, such as azobenzene, were linked directly to helical polvpeptide chain with different spacinas between the chromophores. The polypeptides showed large circular dichroism (CD), its intensity being dependent on the spatial arrangement of the photochromic groups. The CD and the optical rotation were changed by photoirradiation. This phenomena can be a basis for a novel chiroptical photorecording, because the memory can be read out at longer wavelengths than those for writing processes. Similarly, Belayer membranes consisting of aromatic amino acids were newly synthesized. The membranes showed strong CD and optical rotation, and those containing azobenzene groups showed reversible change of CD and optical rotation under photoirradiation. Therefore, these materials are also an excellent candidate for the chriotical photorecording.
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