PREPARATION OF GRADIENT REFRACTIVE-INDEX RODS USING METHYL-METHACRYLATE AND BENZYL SALICYLATE

A new method for preparing gradient refractive index (GRIN) rods by us ing the swollen-gel polymerization technique was elaborated. The polym erization of MMA (methyl methacrylate) with BSA (benzyl salicylate) wa s carried out in the presence of BPO (benzoyl peroxide) in a PMMA (pol y(methyl methacrylate)) tube. The three-dimensional refractive index p rofile of plastic rods was estimated. The dependence of optical proper ties of the GRIN rod on swelling time, swelling temperature, polymeriz ation temperature and MMA/BSA feed ratio were investigated. Image tran smission without distortion is observed through the GRIN rods fabricat ed in this investigation.