Abstract

Thermochromic materials can be used to record infrared holograms at 10.6 μm as has been demonstrated by others. The objective here was to determine quantitatively the capability of holographic recording techniques that utilize thermochromics. Particular emphasis is placed on cuprous mercuric iodide, but the procedure developed is valid for other thermochromic materials. The thermochromic Cu₂HgI₄ mixed with a suitable binder and coated onto a temperature controlled substrate was used to record holograms at a wavelength of 10.6 μm. Thermal diffusivity and conductivity of the recording material (Cu₂HgI₄ + binder) were measured and used to analyze the thermal behavior of the detector. Theory shows that a resolution of 50 l/mm can be attained. Experiments were conducted to demonstrate the theoretical predictions. Holograms were recorded and reconstructed at the wavelength of 10.6 μm.

© 1979 Optical Society of America

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