Effect of monomer functionality on the diffraction efficiency of photopolymer films

The effect of monomer functionality on the diffraction efficiency of the photopolymer containing multi- and monofunctional monomers was investigated. A mixture of tri-, di-, and mono functional monomers were dispersed in a solution of polysulfone dissolved in organic solvent containing a photo initiator. The monomer contents were varied by changing the ratio between them. The average functionality (F_av = Σ Φ_iF_i) was determined, where Φ, is the mol fraction of the monomer with functionality F_i. The holographic recording was performed and diffraction efficiency (η) of each film was determined by using a 532 nm laser. In the photopolymer film having an optimized composition, η was increased within 20 sec and reached a maximum of >90 % with an exposure power of 5 mW laser. The rise of η (response time), maximum η), and stability of η value over prolonged recording were dependent on the monomer structure and composition and the average functionality. The result could be ascribed to the reactivity and functionality of monomers under interference light, to generate refractive index contrast.