We report a complete vibrational analysis of two azo-containing photomechanical polymers and their monomer precursors using infrared and Raman spectroscopic techniques. To date, the photochemistry and subsequent photomechanical effects in polymers containing diazo bonds is not well understood. This study includes infrared and Raman measurements of both the unphoto-lyzed and photolyzed states of these materials. UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy was used to monitor the progress of photo-isomerization, where a decrease in the prominent trans pi-pi* ab-sorption peak and an increase in the cis absorption peaks were observed. Additionally, changes in the major azo stretching bands were observed in the Raman spectra following photolyzation with a UV source. Development of these materials will provide the ability to induce macroscopic changes in shape with minimal mechanical intervention, with applications in optics and chemical sensors.