The development of a new class of holographic materials

The research described in this final report involves the development of a new class of holographic materials. These materials exhibit two-photon photochemistry and thus are quadratic in their photochemical response to the intensity of the two recording laser beams. Unlike other previously suggested two-photon systems, the systems we have been developing can be used with milliwatts as opposed to megawatts of laser power. The holographic material consists of a photoactive organic molecule embedded in a polymer host. Grain free holograms can thus be recorded and no development or fixing step is necessary. Work has focused on four different areas: (1) Investigation of new two-photon holographic materials, particularly ones with higher maximum holographic efficiency; (2) Demonstration of gating of the holographic recording process using an auxiliary light source; (3) Development of two-photon holographic materials which respond to infrared laser wavelengths and their application in gated holography; and (4) Production of simple holographic optical elements using these materials.