We present a theoretical background and experimental verification of hologr
aphic recording in nano-sized films. The interference pattern is created by
a total internal reflected (TIR) reference wave and normally incident plan
e one. Due to a surface-propagating evanescent wave, the holographic record
ing is stored in 39 nm arsenic trisulfide film. The exposure and modulation
dependence on the diffraction efficiency is investigated. The angular and
wavelength selectivity of the thin TIR hologram is shown to be similar to t
hat of thick Bragg gratings.