Investigation of the Manufacturing Process for Volume Holographic Optical Element Arrays

RL Associates, Inc. proposes to conduct a feasibility study leading to the improvement in manufacturability of narrowband, wide field of view, volume holographic optical element (VHOE) arrays for use in Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) systems on various aerial platforms. Improvements in this area will decrease production costs and production cycle time. These improvements will also provide a reliable source of light-weight, small form factor optical elements for use in complex optical systems that require the collection of a narrowband, wide field of view signal in both nighttime and daytime operations. There are many factors influencing VHOE array performance. Among those are: modeling and design of the VHOEsphotosensitive substrate (film) thickness variation and compositionrecording parameters and configurationanalytical assessment of the VHOE performanceWe propose to investigate several approaches to improving holographic film consistency. We will examine alternate film types (a silver-Dichromated Gel hybrid, and a polymer film) and test several film plating techniques (larger formats, differing deposition tools, and spin-coating).