[nanoPost] Flexible polyvinlyalcohol layers for optical systems

Research Centre Ireland

We can fabricate flexible polyvinlyalcohol layers in which we can write (using coherent lasers ) micropatterns, gratings and holograms. To date we have focused on using these layers to make diffractive lenses, holograms and gratings for use within our own optical systems in the lab (1, 2, 3) as they are ideally suited to compact optical systems, as well as making improvements to the recording material (4).

We have generally used the optical elements while still attached to the rigid substrate. However, the layer itself is a flexible polymer layer which is 50-150 microns thick and can be used independently.
Incorporated in packaging these layers could have a number of display or security applications, as unique original holograms (as opposed to the mass replicated foil stamped ones on visa cards etc.) could be produced cheaply.
Alternatively they could possibly be used to make small flexible holographic screen technology.

We would be very interested in exploring these applications with a commercial company. It is part of our remit to collaborate with industry and to prioritize industry driven projects within our centre. In the recent past we
have carried out research for Sortex Ltd., Wavin Ireland, Bausch and Lomb among others.

Refs:

Guntaka, S. R., Toal, V., Martin, S., "Holographically recorded diffractive optical elements for holographic and Electronic Speckle Pattern interferometry" Applied Optics, Vol 41, no 35, Dec 2002, pp7475-7479.
E. Mihaylova, I. Naydenova, S. Martin, V. Toal, "Electronic spackle pattern shearing interferometer with a photopolymer holographic grating", Applied Optics, 43 (12), 2439, 2004.
Whelan, M. P., Forno, C., Martin, S., O Neill, F. and Toal, V., "Illumination systems using photopolymer gratings for speckle interferometry" Interferometry '99 International conference on optical metrology, techniques and technologies, Warsaw, Poland, September 20th to 23rd, 1999.
I. Naydenova, S. Martin, R. Jallapuram, R. Howard, V. Toal, "Investigations of the diffusion processes in self-processing acrylamide-based photopolymer system", Applied Optics, 43 (14), 2900, 2004.

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