Multistage Networks for Glassy Holographic Photopolymers

Published

April 29, 2025

Author(s)

Alexander Osterbaan, Andrew Sias, Marianela Trujillo-Lemon, Kieran Fung, Jason Killgore, ROBERT MCLEOD, Christopher Bowman

Abstract

In the writing of holographic photopolymers, the addition of a third stage cure to the typical polyurethane matrix and acrylate writing monomer steps is used here to modify the ultimate thermomechanical properties of the final holographic photopolymer. Inclusion of a thermally latent, low refractive index epoxide homopolymerization increases the Tg from a value of -22 °C during the writing step to a final Tg of 101 °C after the epoxide cure. Critically, the diffraction grating structure is retained with high fidelity, an index contrast of 0.0057, and a diffraction efficiency of 89% achieved in these materials. Ultimately, the 3-stage design and final glassy state promotes thermal and dimensional stability of the holographic material.

Citation

ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

Dual-cure, photopolymer, holography, acrylate, epoxide, multistage network, diffraction, optical grating

Citation

Osterbaan, A. , Sias, A. , Trujillo-Lemon, M. , Fung, K. , Killgore, J. , MCLEOD, R. and Bowman, C. (2025), Multistage Networks for Glassy Holographic Photopolymers, ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces (Accessed October 13, 2025)