Direct surface relief pattering of azo-polymers films via holographic recording

Abstract

In this work surface relief direct formation during holographic recording in poly (Disperse Red 1 – methacrylate) films was studied. In this material azo-dye Disperse Red 1 is covalently attached to the main polymeric chain making lateral mass transport in the film caused by a presence of light electric field direction modulation very fast and effective. Surface relief grating formation process was induced by 532 nm laser. Read-out was performed by 660 nm diode laser. Diffraction efficiencies kinetics dependence on polarization state of reading and recording beams was studied. Surface relief depth on the films was measured by AFM. Deep surface relief gratings were obtained in Poly (Disperse Red 1 – methacrylate). Films relief can exceed the initial thickness of the sample more than three times. Fabrication of such surface relief gratings is fast and easy. They can find their application in data storage, electro-optical devices, telecommunication.