Factorial optimization of bleach constituents for silver halide holograms

A factorial design approach to optimizing rehalogenating bleaches for silver halide holograms is presented. An advantage of this technique is that it allows simultaneous improvement in a number of hologram performance characteristics as a function of several input parameters. Interactive effects of combinations of input parameters can also be examined. A specific experiment is described in which diffraction efficiency, average light loss, thickness change, and noise grating efficiency are optimized as a function rehalogenating agent, oxiding agent, and acid concentrations of a rehalogenating bleach. Results for both Agfa 8E75HD and Ilford SP673 films are presented.