A previously proposed quantitative reaction/diffusion kinetics model for two-chemistry holographic photopolymers is expanded upon to include the effects of a counter-diffusing binder component in predicting refractive index contrast (Δn). During holographic recording, while writing monomer diffuses from the dark fringe to the bright fringe regions as photopolymerization occurs, the more mobile non-photopolymerizable low refractive index component will diffuse in the opposing direction due to mass transport. This spatial redistribution enhances the final refractive index modulation of the recorded holographic material. Candidate low refractive index components used in commercial holographic media, poly(vinyl acetate) (PVA) and cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), were investigated.

Investigating the effects of a low refractive index counter-diffusive component in two-chemistry holographic photopolymer

249th National Meeting (2015)

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