Numerical optimization of writing computer-generated holograms in threshold media

Recent developments in binary photo-magnetic materials showed efficient and ultra-fast rewriting of holograms where the intensity threshold allows for a dense, sub-diffraction limit packing of hologram points. This paper describes the numerical optimization of the process of writing and reconstructing of 2-D images in a binary-phase computer-generated holograms stored in the said threshold-like medium. Global optimization of the free parameters of the writing process is shown, including the intensity threshold level, propagation distance, hologram spot size and the shape of the boundary regions of the written spots. We present the optimal set of parameters for the best possible writing quality. Full Text: PDF ReferencesA. Stupakiewicz, K. Szerenos, D. Afanasiev et al., "Ultrafast nonthermal photo-magnetic recording in a transparent medium", Nature 542, 71 (2017). CrossRef J. Starobrat, A. Frej, J. Bolek, R. Trybus, A. Stupakiewicz, and M. Makowski, "Photo-magnetic recording of randomized holographic diffraction patterns in a transparent medium", Opt. Lett. 45, 5177 (2020). CrossRef V. Ostroverkhov, et al., "Micro-Holographic Storage and Threshold Holographic Recording Materials", Jap. J. App. Phys. 48.3S1, 03A035 (2009). CrossRef K. Matsushima, T. Shimobaba, "Band-Limited Angular Spectrum Method for Numerical Simulation of Free-Space Propagation in Far and Near Fields", Opt. Express 17, 19662 (2009). CrossRef F. Wyrowski, O. Bryngdahl, "Iterative Fourier-transform algorithm applied to computer holography", JOSA A 5.7, 1058 (1988). CrossRef I. Ducin, T. Shimobaba, M. Makowski, K. Kakarenko, A. Kowalczyk, Jaroslaw Suszek, M. Bieda, A. Kolodziejczyk, M. Sypek, "Holographic projection of images with step-less zoom and noise suppression by pixel separation", Opt. Comm. 340, 131 (2015). CrossRef M. Makowski, "Minimized speckle noise in lens-less holographic projection by pixel separation", Opt. Express 21, 29205 (2013). CrossRef

A New Three-Component Photo-Initiating System for Visible Light Recording of Volume Holograms with Single-Pulsed Laser

Versatile substituted electron-deficient trichloromethylarenes can easily be synthesized and combined with a Safranine O/triarylalkylborate salt to form a highly efficient three-component photo-initiation system that starts free radical polymerization to finally form holographic gratings with a single-pulsed laser. The mechanism of this photo-initiation most likely relies on an electron transfer from the borate salt into the semi-occupied HOMO of the excited dye molecule Safranine O, which after fragmentation generates an initiating alkyl radical and longer-lived dye radical species. This dye radical is most probably oxidized by the newly introduced trichloromethylarene derivative as an electron acceptor. The two generated radicals from one absorbed photon initiate the photopolymerization and form index gratings in a suitable holographic recording material. This process is purely photonic and does not require further non-photonic post treatments.

Review of Organic Photorefractive Materials and Their Use for Updateable 3D Display

Photorefractive materials are capable of reversibly changing their index of refraction upon illumination. That property allows them to dynamically record holograms, which is a key function for developing an updateable holographic 3D display. The transition from inorganic photorefractive crystals to organic polymers meant that large display screens could be made. However, one essential figure of merit that needed to be worked out first was the sensitivity of the material that enables to record bright images in a short amount of time. In this review article, we describe how polymer engineering was able to overcome the problem of the material sensitivity. We highlight the importance of understanding the energy levels of the different species in order to optimize the efficiency and recording speed. We then discuss different photorefractive compounds and the reason for their particular figures of merit. Finally, we consider the technical choices taken to obtain an updateable 3D display using photorefractive polymer. By leveraging the unique properties of this holographic recording material, full color holograms were demonstrated, as well as refreshing rate of 100 hogels/second.

Water Resistant Cellulose Acetate Based Photopolymer for Recording of Volume Phase Holograms

The development of environmentally robust photosensitive materials for holographic recording is crucial for applications such as outdoor LED light redirection, holographic displays and holographic sensors. Despite the progress in holographic recording materials development, their sensitivity to humidity remains a challenge and protection from the environment is required. One approach to solving this challenge is to select substrate such as cellulose acetate, which is water resistant. This work reports the development of a cellulose-based photopolymer with sensitivity of 3.5 cm2/mJ and refractive index modulation of 2.5 × 10−3 achieved in the transmission mode of recording. The suitability for holographic recording was demonstrated by recording gratings with the spatial frequency of 800 linepairs/mm. The intensity dependence of the diffraction efficiency of gratings recorded in 70 μm thick layers was studied and it was observed that the optimum recording intensity was 10 mW/cm2. The robustness of the structures was studied after immersing the layer in water for one hour. It was observed that the diffraction efficiency and the surface characteristics measured before and after exposure to water remain unchanged. Finally, the surface hardness was characterized and was shown to be comparable to that of glass and significantly higher than the one of PVA-based acrylamide photopolymer.

Optical Vortices Generation by Azopolymeric Relief Gratings

The energy and spectral conditions for single-stage holographic recording of a diffraction optical element based on the carbazole-containing azo polymer, that forms singular light beams (optical vortices), have been established. With the atomic-force microscopy (AFM), the surface morphology of the recorded relief holograms was studying, and their diffraction efficiency has been estimated. The topology of the generated optical phase singularities has been studied and the stability range of an optical vortex having the topological charge l = 2 has been found. The possibility of using the developed diffractive optical element in the scheme of optical tweezers for manipulating micro-objects is demonstrated.

Development and Testing of a Dual-Wavelength Sensitive Photopolymer Layer for Applications in Stacking of HOE Lenses

Diffractive optical elements (DOEs) have been in development for many years and are an exciting technology with the capability to re-direct light, using diffraction rather than refraction. Holographic Optical Elements (HOEs) are a subset of diffractive optical elements for which the photonic structure is created holographically, i.e., by recording a specific interference pattern in a suitable, photosensitive optical material. Volume HOEs are of particular interest for some applications because of their very high diffraction efficiency and single diffracted order; however, high dispersion and angular wavelength selectivity still present significant challenges. This paper explores a method for producing a compound DOE useful for situations where elements designed for two separate target wavelengths can be advantageously combined to achieve a highly efficient HOE with reduced dispersion. A photopolymer material consisting of two independently sensitized laminated layers is prepared and used in sequential holographic recording at two different wavelengths. The photonic structures recorded are investigated through examination of their diffraction peaks and comparison with the structure predicted by modeling. Finally, the device is illuminated with an expanded diverging beam at both target wavelengths and with white light, and a strong diffracted beam is observed.

Tunable Waveguides Couplers Based on HPDLC for See-Through Applications

Photopolymers have become an important recording material for many applications, mainly related to holography. Their flexibility to change the chemical composition together with the optical properties made them a versatile holographic recording material. The introduction of liquid crystal molecules in a photopolymer based on multifunctional monomer provides us the possibility to generate tunable holograms. The switchable holographic elements are a key point for see-through applications. In this work, we optimize the holographic polymer-dispersed liquid crystals composition to improve the performance of tunable waveguide couplers based on transmission gratings and specifically their response under an applied electric field. A variation around 60% in the transmission efficiency was achieved.