Reversible dye-doped holographic photopolymer materials for reconfigurable optical data storage

New self-developing reversible dye-doped holographic photopolymer materials were recently developed in our laboratory, which are sensitive to light from the green to near infrared wavelengths (500-850 nm) [1]. Previously, we have used liquid crystals in similar polymer matrices to increase the refractive index modulation [2]. In this work, we show that a new functionality of optical reconfiguration may be introduced if a reversible photosensitive dye is doped in the material. The compound we have used in this experiment is a multifunctional acrylic-based photopolymerizable material. Reversible dye and organic compound are added to serve as solvent and refractive index increasing agents. In addition, this dye may partially replace the liquid crystal's role. Holographic recording characteristics of these materials were investigated. We have demonstrated that, the diffraction efficiency of recorded holograms and material sensitivity are high. We believe that these materials are very promising for applications in permanent, but reconfigurable diffractive optical elements. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.