Volume Holography: Novel Materials, Methods and Applications

Abstract

This chapter aims to establish a link between material compositions, analytical methods and advanced applications for volume holography. It provides basics on volume holography, serving as a compendium on volume holographic grating formation, specific material requirements for volume holography and diffractive properties of the different types of volume holographic gratings. The particular significance of three-dimensional optical structuring for the final optical functionality is highlighted. In this context, the interrelation between function and structure of volume holograms is investigated with view to research on and development of novel materials, methods and applications. Particular emphasis will be placed on analytical methods, assuming that they provide access for a deeper understanding of volume holographic grating formation, which appears to be prerequisite for the design of novel material systems for advanced applications.

Simultaneous formation of holographic surface relief gratings and volume phase gratings in photosensitive polymer

“…concentrators [4], for protective technologies [3,5] or for multi-functional optical systems as tailor-made diffractive devices, for example, for enhanced multilevel security or integrated optics [6], as well as for biomaterials such as for novel intraocular lenses (IOLs) [7]. Double periodic structures can coexist independently of one another but may also be correlated.…”

“…Thereupon, a chemical gradient is induced, resulting in monomer diffusion and subsequent polymerization. As a consequence, the hologram is formed as a periodic modulation of optical properties, according to the recording light pattern [6]. It is known that diffusion plays a crucial role in photopolymer shrinkage [6,10].…”

“…As a consequence, the hologram is formed as a periodic modulation of optical properties, according to the recording light pattern [6]. It is known that diffusion plays a crucial role in photopolymer shrinkage [6,10]. Here, SRGs can be formed as a result of optical shrinkage of the photosensitive material in the course of photo-triggered mass migration.…”

“…A deeper understanding of the underlying grating formation mechanisms is most important for the development of advanced materials and the corresponding opening of novel applications [6,11]. With regard to the analysis of the structures, surface gratings are much more easily accessible, compared to volume gratings [12].…”

Spatial Frequency Response of Epoxy-Based Volume Holographic Recording Material

“…Light as a stimuli entails optical structuring by the application of volume holography as a single-step method for manufacturing 3D diffractive micro- and nanostructures [2]. Some of the many possible uses for volume holographic materials are as diffractive optical elements for applications related to security purposes and holographic-based memories, self-written waveguides, wavelength-selective devices, solar energy concentrators, and multifunctional materials [3,4,5,6].…”