PICOSECOND DYNAMICS OF BRAGG GRATING FORMATION IN THE FULGIDE )ETHYLIDENE(DICYCLOPROPYLMETHYLENE)-2,5-FURANDIONE

The refractive index change that accompanies the color change in a cla ss of thermally stable and fatigue-free organic photochromic molecules is used to probe the picosecond dynamics of grating growth within a s olid polymer solution of the material and in an organic solvent. These studies demonstrate the intrinsic picosecond response time of the ful gide by direct measurement of the refractive index change of the chrom ophore. Additionally, these dynamical studies allow for the quantifica tion of the cycling potential for the material.