Single beam test (SBT) as a criterion for the resolution of holographic recording

We report here that the optical resolution of holographic recording can not only be limited by the geometry of the experiment setup or by the wavelength of light, but can also be restricted by a specific property of a photochromic polymer which is the formation of the willow structure. It has been demonstrated that the formation of the willow structure determines the resolution of holographic recording. Due to that, before conducting any holographic studies, it is recommended to examine the material by performing a single beam test (SBT) which, in a simple and fast way, checks whether the willow structure is formed or not, thereby confirming or excluding possible limitations resulting from the material itself.