Diffraction Properties in Polarization Holography Written by Elliptical Polarized Light

The diffraction properties of polarization holographic gratings fabricated using the orthogonally elliptical polarized light have been systematically investigated on the basis of the Jones calculus. The theoretical prediction based on the Jones calculus was experimentally confirmed to be valid by fabricating the polarization holographic gratings in azobenzene-containing amorphous polymer films. The ellipticity of the diffraction beam was well-controlled by varying the ellipticities of the writing beams. The diffraction properties were well explained by the Jones calculus. (C) 2010 The Japan Society of Applied Physics