Andrew Michael Weber

Photopolymers for holography

Photosensitive films composed of dye, initiator, acrylic monomers, and polymeric film-forming binder, and their use in recording volume phase transmission and reflection holograms are described. Systematic variation of monomer-binder combinations reveals that the maximum attainable index modulation (hologram efficiency) increases with increasing difference between the refractive indices of monomer and binder. Addition of plasticizer is also useful for increasing index modulation. Thermal and wet chemical processing methods for altering hologram properties are described.

Advances and applications of DuPont holographic photopolymers

High performance holographic photopolymer films have been developed to record reflection and transmission holograms. Recent advances in DuPont OmniDexTM materials, imaging and processing are discussed. A mechanism for holographic recording is presented along with a description of physical properties and holographic performance. Several applications including holographic optical elements are mentioned which can utilize the unique properties of these materials.

Holographic transmission elements using improved photopolymer films

Volume phase holographic gratings provide the high diffraction efficiency often required from holographic optical elements. In order to provide wide angular bandwidth, high index modulation is also required. A new addition to the family of Du Pont holographic photopolymer films has significantly higher index modulation for the grating spacings typical of holographic transmission elements. In this paper, the recording of volume phase transmission gratings in this holographic photopolymer is described. The dependence of holographic properties on exposure conditions, grating characteristics, and processing are discussed. The performance characteristics of holographic optical elements produced in this material are also presented.

Hologram recording in du Pont's new photopolymer materials

New families of transmission and reflection holographic photopolymer materials and their performance are described. The materials are composed of polymeric binders, monomers, initiation system, and sensitizing dyes. The physical and holographic properties may be controlled by choice of components. Photopolymerization and diffusion of monomers is the proposed mechanism for recording of refractive index modulation. The materials are sensitized from the Uv to the red with typical exposure energies form 10 to 100 mJ/cm2. Hologram recording consists of exposure, UV cure, and heat processing. Significant refractive index modulation occurs during exposure. Processed holograms are insensitive to humidity and temperature. Holographic properties and performance of various formulations are discussed, as well as applications of these materials.

Color holography using DuPont holographic recording films

DuPont has developed holographic photopolymer films capable of producing high diffraction efficiency in full-color volume holograms and holographic optical elements. The properties of these films allows for a greater range of applications than has been considered feasible for color holograms. The recording mechanism and methods for holographic color recording in these materials is considered. Methods for full-color mastering and copying to achieve optimal performance in three-color recording are discussed. Examples of full-color holograms are presented.

Display holograms in Du Pont's OmniDex films

Use of Du Ponts OmniDexTM holographic materials in the production of display or graphic arts holograms is discussed. The dry color tuning process that changes the holograms playback wavelength, for example, from blue-green to gold or red, is described, and experimental results to support a diffusion-based color tuning mechanism are presented. The authors comment on possible uses of dry color tuning to control the playback wavelength of display holograms and holographic optical elements.

Photopolymers for holography and other applications

Recent advances in DuPonts OmniDex® holographic recording materials are discussed. A mechanism for holographic recording is presented along with a description of physical and holographic properties. Several applications including holographic optical elements are mentioned which can utilize the unique properties of these materials.