Diffractive Optical Elements in Polymeric Media Based on Polymethylmethacrylate with Distributed Phenanthrenequinone Molecules

The prospective polymeric medium based on Plexiglas (polymethylmethacrylate, PMMA) with a high concentration of phenanthrenequinone (PQ) molecules with good photosensitivity, long storage time and easy fabrication make it possible to create diffractive optical elements having unique properties. The photoattachment of the PQ-molecules to the polymeric chains and the formation of the stable photoproduct play the decisive role for the light-induced increase of the refractive index allowing the recording of the holographic gratings with the diffraction efficiency close to 100% and the wide range of operation temperature (up to 100oC). The whole set of these parameters makes it possible to replace complex optical systems by volume phase holograms recorded in PQ-PMMA materials with the thickness of about 70-200 µm. The novel diffractive elements can be used e. g. as diffusers for beam projectors, light concentrators for solar cells, screens for head-up-displays. The photopolymeric layers with diffractive elements can be also integrated in laminated glass and can be used in windshields of vehicles and cockpits as well as in architectural solutions.