Real-time dynamic holography using azo-dye-doped PMMA-based recording media

Holography has shown its suitability for optical storage technology by developing high information density and fast access type memories with a high read-out efficiency. In this work, we are presenting the results obtained on poly(methyl methacrylate) matrices doped with five new azo-dyes. Dynamic holograms with reasonably high diffraction efficiency have been recorded at 488 nm and these photosensitive holographic matrices are capable of self- erasing as soon as the writing lights are cut off. The efficiency of the write, read and erase (WRE) cycles in these azo-dye doped polymer materials was determined. A complete WRE cycle can be performed within a time interval of 10 to 20 seconds. Numerous (> 250 cycles) WRE cycles have been recorded on the same area of the holographic medium without noticeable fatigue or alteration in the diffraction efficiency. The maximum real-time diffraction efficiencies achieved reached up to 10%.