Variable index material for optical switching and real time holographic recording
AssigneeBoard of Regents, The University of Texas System
InventorsKeith H. Pannell, Jean Robillard
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A new variable index material is described which provides rapid changes in refractive index. The disclosed materials are useful for coatings and films that provide photosensitive materials for holographic recording with high efficiency. The materials are also useful for modulating the coupling ratio in fiber optic couplers for optical switching. The new materials incorporate polymeric dialkylsilane ferrocenylene and long chain fatty acids.
Claims17
A radiation sensitive member comprising a fatty acid and a disubstituted silane ferrocenylene polymer or a disubstituted germane ferrocenylene polymer having the structure of FIG. 10 wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently alkyl, aryl or ferrocenyl wherein said member absorbs visible radiation to increase refractive index of said member.
A process for switching optical signals comprising the steps of:
- (a) coating an optical fiber coupling region with a monolayer or several monolayer film prepared from a fatty acid and a disubstituted silane or germane ferrocenylene polymer having the structure of FIG. 10 wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently alkyl, aryl or ferrocenyl;
- and
- (b) exposing the coated coupling region to visible light to produce variations in refractive index wherein optical signals are switched from one to the other optical fiber.
A process for recording phase holograms comprising the steps of:
- (a) coating a transparent substrate with a monolayer or several monolayer film prepared from a fatty acid and a disubstituted silane or germane ferrocenylene polymer having the structure of FIG. 10 wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently alkyl, aryl or ferrocenyl;
- and
- (b) holographically exposing said member to visible radiation to produce variations in refractive index in exposed areas of the member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.