Dr. Tina Sabel-Grau is postdoc in the group ‘Nanopatterned Biomaterials’, Department of Chemistry at the Technical University of Berlin, where she graduated with Dr. rer. Nat./PhD in physics 2014. Her research interests are photoresponsive polymers, 3D optical diffractive structures, volume holographic techniques and multifunctional biomaterials.
This chapter aims to establish a link between material compositions, analytical methods and advanced applications for volume holography. It provides basics on volume holography, serving as a compendium on volume holographic grating formation, specific material requirements for volume holography and diffractive properties of the different types of volume holographic gratings. The particular significance of three‐dimensional optical structuring for the final optical functionality is highlighted. In this context, the interrelation between function and structure of volume holograms is investigated with view to research on and development of novel materials, methods and applications. Particular emphasis will be placed on analytical methods, assuming that they provide access for a deeper understanding of volume holographic grating formation, which appears to be prerequisite for the design of novel material systems for advanced applications.
Part of the book: Holographic Materials and Optical Systems
Multifunctional biomedical materials capable of integrating optical functions open up promising new possibilities for the application of photosensitive materials. For example, they are highly desirable for advanced intraocular lens (IOL) implants. For this purpose, we propose hydrogels, based on poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) prepolymers, which are photochemically crosslinkable and thereby patternable. Various photoinitiators are used and investigated spectroscopically; those with high sensitivity in the optical region of the spectrum are advantageous. Hydrogel films have been obtained, which are applicable for light-based patterning and, hence, for functionalization of both surface and volume: It is shown that a local change in optical properties can be induced in special hydrogel films by photochemical crosslinking. Such a local light-induced material response forms the basis for volume holographic patterning. Cytocompatibility of hydrogels and compositions is evaluated via cytotoxicity tests. Exploiting the interrelationship between structure and function is highly relevant for biomedical materials with multifunctionality.
Part of the book: Holography