The results of the fabrication and optical data storage characteristics of a novel azothiophene polyester 9 for potential holographic storage are reported. The polyester is derived from an azothiophene diol 1 and diphenyl phthalate 8via in vacuo melt transesterification. Inclusion of a 5-methoxy-2-thienyl moiety generates a trans π–π* transition centered close to 405 nm. An investigation of the optical data storage ...