Applications of polymer material for recording of high efficiency thick holograms

We discuss different materials for recording thick holograms and holographic elements. For material selection we apply various holographic and technological factors. Chalcogenide glasses have good optical properties, low scattering and high resolution in application for IR. Thick gel of dichromated gelatin may be used in visible green-blue light, but holograms are unstable. For hologram recording in visible light we use a polymethylmethacrylat - based material (PMMA), which has high holographic duality and good stability. We consider the synthesis of this material and describe the method of latent image for selection of optimal composition and additives. We use the special moulding method for production of high quality of surfaces. Our recording scheme permits receive large size elements with highly reproducible parameters. To obtain highly uniform holographic elements, very strict control of synthesis process is necessary. Application of this technology is discussed.