Optically inscribed volume or surface structures in azobenzene polymer films

Volume birefringence or surface relief gratings are optically inscribed on the surface of azopolymer thin films using polarized light from a moderate power laser. The inscription is done in a one step process and the images arc stable over extended periods of time. Multiple holographic images can be written locally and these erasable sub-wavelength structures are used to produce a variety of optical devices.