Three types of bi-functionalized copolymers (P1FAz, P2FAz, and P3FAz) with different numbers of fluorene units and an azobenzene unit were synthesized and characterized using UVvis and polarized absorption spectroanalysis. The trans-cis photoisomerization was conformed under 400 nm light irradiation for all copolymers in chloroform. However, in the film state, only the trans-cis photoisomerization occurred by mono-fluorene attached copolymer poly[(9,9-di-n-octylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-alt-4,4'-azobenzene)] (P1FAz). Photo-induced alignment was achieved using the P1FAz film after irradiation with linear polarized 400 nm light and subsequent annealing at 60 degrees C. Surface orientation of a spin-coating film of poly(9,9-didodecylfluorene) (F12) was achieved using the photo-induced alignment layer of the P1FAz film after annealing at 90 degrees C. The photo-induced alignment layer of P1FAz has potential application to the surface orientation technique for appropriate polymers, which will be useful for the fabrication of optoelectronics devices. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012