Holographic Materials and Optical Systems

Book excerpt: Holographic Materials and Optical Systems covers recent research achievements in the areas of volume holographic optical elements and systems, development of functionalized holographic recording materials, and applications in holographic imaging and metrology. Designs of single and multiplexed volume holographic optical elements for laser beam shaping, combining, and redirection are covered, and their properties are studied theoretically and experimentally. The high impact of holography in imaging and metrology is demonstrated by applications spreading from thickness and surface measurements, through antenna metrology and analyzing high-density gradients in fluid mechanics to characterization of live objects in clinical diagnostics. Novel functionalized materials used in dynamic or permanent holographic recording cover photopolymers, photochromics, photo-thermo-refractive glasses, and hybrid organic-inorganic media.