24th Annual Student Research Conference
Photorefractivity in Organic Polymers and Its Uses in Holographic Data Storage
Jeremy J. Little
Dr. Mohammad Samiullah, Faculty Mentor
We are studying the nonlinear optical phenomenon known as the photorefractive effect. It is characterized by a refractive index change due to two coherent, interfering beams of light incident upon a photorefractive material. This effect has been studied in depth using inorganic materials since 1966. However, organic materials have yet to be fully characterized. Thus, using an organic compound of Poly(9-vinylcarbazole) and Disperse Orange 3, we have set up an optical system to demonstrate this effect. By exposing the material to an interference pattern, a refractive index grating is formed in the material. The grating formed is then read using a weak probe beam to determine the properties of that material.
Keywords: Photorefractive Effect, Nonlinear Optics, Organic, Photorefractivity, Interference, Refractive Index
Topic(s):Physics
Chemistry
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 1-1
Location: MG 1096
Time: 8:00