Holographic recording in a photopolymer by optically induced detachment ofchromophores

We demonstrate holographic recording in a new photopolymer system. The reco rding material is created by copolymerization of an optically inert monomer , methyl methacrylate, and a second monomer that is optically sensitive. On exposure of the recording material to light, a portion of the optically se nsitive component detaches from the polymer matrix and causes hologram ampl ification through diffusion of the free molecules. We measured postrecordin g grating amplifications as high as 170% by this process. The recorded holo grams are persistent at room temperature under continuous illumination at t he recording wavelength. (C) 2000 Optical Society of America.