Holographic recording in acrylamide photopolymers: Thickness limitations

Mohammad Sultan Mahmud, Izabela Naydenova, Nitesh Pandey, Tzwetanka Babeva, Raghavendra Jallapuram, Suzanne Martin, Vincent Toal

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Holographic recording in thick photopolymer layers is important for application in holographic data storage, volume holographic filters, and correlators. Here, we studied the characteristics of acrylamide- based photopolymer layers ranging in thickness from 250 ,umto 1 mm. For each thickness, samples with three different values of absorbance were studied. By measuring the diffraction efficiency growth of ho- lographically recorded gratings and studying the diffraction patterns obtained, the influence ofscattering on the diffraction efficiency of thick volume holographic gratings was analyzed. It was found that, above a particular thickness and absorbance, the diffraction efficiency significantly decreased because of increased holographic scattering. From the diffraction efficiency dependence on absorbance and thickness it is possible to choose photopolymer layer properties that are suitable for a particular holographic application. This study was carried out to determine the highest layer thickness that could be used for phase code multiplexed holographic data storage utilizing thick photopolymer layers as a recording medium. Based on our studies to date we believe that the layer to be used for phase coded reference beam recording with 0.1 absorbance at 532 nm can have a thickness up to 450 μm. The potential use of thicker layers characterized by low scattering losses is part of our continuing research.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2642-2648
Number of pages7
JournalApplied Optics
Volume48
Issue number14
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 May 2009

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