Control of the spectral position of dichromated gelatin reflection holograms

Dichromated gelatin (DCG) is one of the best light-sensitive materials for holographic recording. However, strict technological control should be observed during deposition, gelation, and drying of DCG plates and the chemical processing of the recorded structures. Usually, for reflection holograms the gelatin layer should be sealed in order to protect it from ambient humidity, which affects the value and position of the reflection maximum. Herein we give three different recipes for tuning the reflection maximum from 430 to 700 nm by swelling the hologram thickness with a filler material that is commercially available. The mechanism of the hologram swelling, which changes the period of the recorded holographic structure, is also briefly discussed.