High dynamic range two-stage photopolymer materials through enhanced solubility high refractive index writing monomers

Marvin D. Alim, Sudheendran Mavila, David J. Glugla, Chen Wang, Philip D. Nystrom, Amy C. Sullivan, Christopher N. Bowman, Robert R. McLeod

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Holographic photopolymers capable of high refractive index modulations (Δn) on the order of 10-2 are integral for the fabrication of functional holographic optical elements (HOEs) for use in a range of optical applications. A novel high refractive index liquid writing monomer suitable for two-stage photopolymer systems was designed and synthesized. This monomer exhibits facile synthetic procedure, low viscosity, high refractive index as well as excellent solubility in a low refractive index urethane matrix. The solubility limit, refractive index change and reaction kinetics/conversion were studied against a commercial reference high refractive index monomer, 2,4,6-tribromophenyl acrylate (TBPA). Superior performance in solubility to TBPA is shown with similar reaction kinetics and final conversion as confirmed by realtime Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and real-time monitoring of diffraction grating growth. We demonstrate the ability to load substantial amounts of these writing monomers enabling a straightforward path to higher achievable Δn values (peak-to-mean Δn ∼ 0.03) without sacrificing optical properties (transparency, color or scatter) as validated through recording ∼100% efficiency volume transmission holograms in sub-15 μm thick films.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPractical Holography XXXII
Subtitle of host publicationDisplays, Materials, and Applications
EditorsV. Michael Bove, Hans I. Bjelkhagen, Hans I. Bjelkhagen
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510616011
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2018
Externally publishedYes
EventPractical Holography XXXII: Displays, Materials, and Applications 2018 - San Francisco, United States
Duration: 29 Jan 201831 Jan 2018

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume10558
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferencePractical Holography XXXII: Displays, Materials, and Applications 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco
Period29/01/1831/01/18

Keywords

  • GRIN
  • HOEs
  • holography
  • n
  • photopolymer
  • refractive index modulation
  • writing monomer

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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