Abstract:
A photorecording medium contains a polymeric matrix, typically cross-linked to provide a desired level of physical stability, and a photoimageable system containing a photoactive monomer. Unlike previous polymer media, which tend to contain a substantially homogeneous dispersion of photoimageable system and matrix polymer, the matrix and photoimageable system of the invention are phase separated, yet still exhibit low light scattering such that useful holographic properties are possible.
Abstract:
A structure exhibiting substantial periodicity on a micron scale, e.g., a photonic band gap material, is provided. The structure is fabricated by a process involving the steps of providing a template comprising a colloidal crystal, and introducing into the colloidal crystal a liquid dispersion of nanoparticles. The resulting composite is treated, e.g., dried, to form a cohesive structure from the nanoparticles, and the colloidal crystal particles are removed to form the ordered structure.
Abstract:
An improved recording medium is provided having a rigid porous matrix containing a photoimageable system. In contrast to previous media containing porous matrices, the invention allows readable holograms to be written in a medium without the need for solvent processing steps subsequent to irradiation. Due to the rigid nature of the matrix, polymerization and/or diffusion during formation of each individual hologram induces only a small level of Bragg detuning. Temperature fluctuations similarly induce only a small Bragg shift. Improved archival life of recorded holograms and improved fidelity of read-out, as well as improved optical elements, are thereby attained. And the avoidance of solvent processing makes the process of recording holograms far easier than in previous porous matrix-based media.
Abstract:
The invention provides an alternative to conventional sol-gel methods that utilize undesirably high amounts of a stabilizing agent such as TMAH and a gelling agent such as methyl formate. The method involves the steps of (a) providing a colloidal silica dispersion containing a stabilizing/gelling agent, where only a portion of the molecules of the agent ionize, and (b) subsequently adding to the silica dispersion a pH-reducing additive. The stabilizing/gelling agent has a dual function. The agent, e.g., an amine, initially acts as a stabilizer in the silica dispersion in that a portion of its molecules ionize, while an appreciable amount of the agent remains nonionized. The agent later transforms in situ to a gelling agent upon addition of a pH-reducing additive. Specifically, as the pH-reducing additive lowers the pH to values at or around the pK a of the stabilizing/gelling agent, more of the agent's molecules are ionized, these cations contributing to charge neutralization, and thus gellation, of the colloidal silica particles.
Abstract:
A composition useful for making a coated optical fiber wherein the composition comprises a photocurable or E-beam curable composition having an alkoxysilane functionality attached through a long backbone.
Abstract:
A photorecording medium contains a polymeric matrix, typically cross-linked to provide a desired level of physical stability, and a photoimageable system containing a photoactive monomer. Unlike previous polymer media, which tend to contain a substantially homogeneous dispersion of photoimageable system and matrix polymer, the matrix and photoimageable system of the invention are phase separated, yet still exhibit low light scattering such that useful holographic properties are possible.