Methylene blue sensitized poly(methyl methacrylate) matrix: a novel holographic material

Methylene blue sensitized poly(methyl methacrylate) is shown to be an efficient medium for recording three-dimensional holographic gratings. Phase and/or amplitude holograms can be written in the methylene blue sensitized films of poly(methyl methacrylate) with a conventional source of light, a He-Ne laser operating at 632.8 nm. Diffraction efficiencies of 60% were found for thick holograms. Multiple holograms were recorded in the described system, and an optical erasing of holograms was achieved. Hologram recording speed was found to increase with temperature.