The Chemistry and Physics of Bayfol® HX Film Holographic Photopolymer
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Uncovering Hidden Dynamics of Natural Photonic Structures Using Holographic Imaging
Published on: March 31, 2022
Friedrich-Karl Bruder1, Thomas Fäcke2, Thomas Rölle3
1Covestro Deutschland AG, Building D201, D-51365 Leverkusen, Germany. friedrich-karl.bruder@covestro.com.
Abstract:
Holographic photopolymers are a new technology to create passive diffractive optical elements by a pure laser interference recording. In this review, we explain the chemistry concepts of light harvesting in an interference pattern and the subsequent grating formation as chemical response. Using the example of the newly developed Bayfol® HX film we discuss the reaction-diffusion driven photo-polymerization process for an index modulation formation to create volume phase gratings. Further we elucidate the selection of monomer chemistry and discuss details of the recording conditions based on the concept of exposure dosage and exposure time. Influences ranging from high dosage recording to low power recording are explained and how to affect the desired diffraction efficiency. Finally, we outline and demonstrate the process to mass manufacturing of volume phase gratings.
Related Concept Videos
Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter
Chemistry of Carbohydrates
Chemistry of Carbohydrates
What is Organic Chemistry?
Electrophilic 1,2- and 1,4-Addition of HX to 1,3-Butadiene
Chemistry of the Cell
Water
The polarity of the water molecule and its resulting hydrogen bonding makes water a unique substance with special properties that are intimately tied to the processes of life. Life originally evolved in an aqueous environment, and most of an organism’s cellular chemistry and metabolism occur inside the aqueous contents of the cell’s cytoplasm. Special properties of water are its high heat capacity...

