Polarization holography in azobenzene polymeric films prepared using the new chemical method

The recording media for polarization holography based on azobenzene polymers are obtained by polymer-analogous transformations of polymethacrylic acid and its copolymers with alkyl methacrylates. Their informational properties were investigated when recording holograms of a plane wavefront. It has been found that the recording and relaxation times of holograms are approximately the same. They are defined mainly by the processes of trans-cis-isomerization of azobenzene groups without formation of surface relief of the polymeric film. The efficiency of the trans-cis-isomerization process decreases, if a heavy substituent is present in the azobenzene chromophore. These results are of practical interest in the choice of photosensitive materials for holographic recording media with optimal information characteristics.