Characterisation of fulgides in a solid matrix as recording materials for optical components

The optical properties of solid samples of polymethyl-methacrylate doped with fulgide photochromic molecules were studied. The transmittance of a thin plate sample was measured when both the activation (UV) and bleaching wavelengths are employed. The samples were used as an optical switch where an UV pulse switches a visible signal beam. The behaviour of these compounds as holographic materials, studied by efficiency measurements at varying grating steps, is reported.