Applications of volume holographic optical elements.

Abstract

Volume holographic optical elements (VHOEs) can be used to perform most functions of classical optical elements and have a number of advantages over classical optics. In this dissertation, characteristics of dichromated gelatin (DCG) for VHOEs, and their applications in magneto-optic (MO) head systems, phase retardation elements, and computer backplane optical interconnects will be presented. One of the most important volume holographic recording materials is DCG. The fabrication technique, hologram formation mechanism and environmental stability of DCG film are presented. The important parameters in designing VHOEs are the bias refractive index, the refractive index modulation, and the emulsion shrinkage or swelling factor; characteristics of these parameters are discussed. A holographic leaky beam splitter and polarization beam splitter are designed and fabricated using DCG to replace the bulk optical elements in MO head systems. The form birefringence properties of the 0th order diffracted beam through subwavelength period gratings are investigated using effective medium theory and rigorous coupled wave analysis. A quarterwave phase retardation element formed in a DCG emulsion is demonstrated. Multiplexed gratings are analyzed and implemented in a 1 x 3 fan-out element for an optical connection cube. A four-port interconnect system has been built using this connection cube and tested at 500 MHz. Alignment tolerances and packaging issues for this connection scheme are also discussed.