The Interplay of Processing-Related Influences on the Formation of Volume Holographic Gratings in a Free-Surface Epoxy-Based Recording Material

Understanding the formation processes of holographic gratings in polymers as a function material composition and processing is important for development new materials holography its associated applications. Among processing-related factors that affect grating volume recording material, pre-exposure, prebaking dark storage, well variations layer thickness composition, are usually underestimated. This study highlights influence interaction these shows they should not be neglected. particular importance samples with free surface. Here, one such epoxy-based free-surface investigated. To determine on formation, achieved refractive index contrast, angular resolved analysis phase applied through point-by-point scanning local response. Grating characteristics determined by comparison simulations based rigorous coupled wave theory. Thus, optimal dose can determined, exposure time, depending dose. The storage response investigated over period 12 weeks strong dependence deposited energy density.