Polarization Holography

Reference for researchers reviewing the developments in this field over the last 15 years.

L. Nikolova (Author), P. S. Ramanujam (Author)

9780521509756, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 14 May 2009

256 pages, 39 b/w illus. 11 colour illus.
25.3 x 17.8 x 1.7 cm, 0.66 kg

'For the person requiring an introduction to polarization holography, the authors have produced a good and comprehensive description of the physical principles involved …' The Imaging Science Journal

Current research into holography is concerned with applications in optically storing, retrieving, and processing information. Polarization holography has many unique properties compared to conventional holography. It gives results in high efficiency, achromaticity, and special polarization properties. This books reviews the research carried out in this field over the last 15 years. The authors provide basic concepts in polarization and the propagation of light through anisotropic materials, before presenting a sound theoretical basis for polarization holography. The fabrication and characterization of azobenzene based materials, which remain the most efficient for the purpose, is described in detail. This is followed by a description of other materials that are used in polarization holography. An in-depth description of various applications, including display holography and optical storage, is given, and the book concludes with perspectives for the future. This book is an important reference for researchers.

1. Light polarization
2. Light propagation through polarizing systems
3. Theory of polarization
4. Azobenzene and azobenzene-containing polymers
5. Other photoanisotropic materials
6. Applications of polarization holography
7. Conclusions and future prospects
Index.

Subject Areas: Information architecture [UYZM], Laser technology & holography [TTBL], Optical physics [PHJ]