Azodyed gelatin films for holographic recording

Abstract In this work we present a preparation method of azo-dyed gelatin thin films for holographic recording and their photoinduced changes of optical properties. The non-toxic, commercially available and cheap ingredients were used for film preparation. The films were prepared by mixing azo-dyes with gelatin solution. The photoinduced properties of prepared films were investigated. The photoinduced dichroism and birefringence at 532 nm laser radiation were observed. The holographic recording of surface and volume gratings by 532 nm wavelength laser radiation were performed and surface relief gratings were studied with AFM. The mass transport direction in azodyed gelatin was studied.