PHOTOCHROMIC ORGANIC-INORGANIC NANOCOMPOSITES AS HOLOGRAPHIC STORAGE MEDIA

This paper describes the properties of some new organic-inorganic phot ochromic layers, They are based on a hybrid organic-inorganic matrix i n which tungsten heteropolyoxometallates (SiW12O404-PW12O403-) are ent rapped in a network obtained from the reaction of 3-glycidoxy-propyltr imethoxysilane, The high homogeneity of these materials on the nanosca le leads to transparent monoliths and layers of controlled thicknesses up to 40 mu m. The optical properties of the blend are emphasised and the construction of amplitude gratings in the materials by two-wave-m ixing experiments is described, The results of the optical experiments and the comparison with the theoretical background are used as a mode l for photochromic holographic storage processes. (C) 1997 by John Wil ey & Sons, Ltd.