Variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE) is applied for investigation of the azo-dye SD-1/SDA-2 which are used for photoalignment of liquid crystals. The azo-dye was spin coated on silicon substrates. Samples as prepared as well as samples illuminated with polarized UV light were studied. The measured optical constants were modelled with an ensemble of the Lorentz oscillators. The results confirm the reorientation mechanism of the photo-induced order formation in the azo-dye films under the action of polarized light, and also show that there exist some photochemical processes.