Dichroic azo-azomethine dyes of formula (A) or (B), wherein Ar.sup.1 to Ar.sup.10 are specific (hetero)aromatic moieties and L is a linking group, as defined in the present claims, a dichroic dye mixture comprising said azo-azomethine dyes and a process for preparing the dyes are provided. The dyes are well suited for combination with liquid crystal material for use, inter alia, in a light absorption anisotropic element, for example, in a switchable optical device or an optically anisotropic film.

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Azo-azomethine dyes, a dichroic dye mixture including azo-azomethine dyes, a liquid crystal composition with the azo-azomethine dyes, and methods for producing the dyes and dye compositions. The dyes can be used in liquid crystal systems, transmissive displays, and smart windows. ##STR00001##