Updateable 3D Display Using Large Area Photorefractive Polymer Devices

The overall goal of this proposal is to develop a large area updateable 3D color display using unique photorefractive (PR) polymers with fast writing times (ms), long persistence (hours) and rapid erasure (seconds). As published in a recent Nature paper, the University of Arizona team has demonstrated for the first time that photorefractive polymers may be used for 3D displays with an image persistence of a few hours. The proposed work seeks to explore materials and techniques to enable a 300 mm × 300 mm display area, full color, long term persistence and a wide viewing angle. A multi-pronged approach is planned to integrate the presently established materials, materials approaches, and electronics/photonics techniques to achieve this goal. Primary tasks to be performed include the development of large area photorefractive polymer devices, formulation of a photorefractive polymer with high trap densities for reflection operation, reflection hologram development to provide wider viewing angle, and hologram multiplexing for multicolor operation. Reaching these demanding goals will further ensure broad application of PR polymers, and move updatable 3D display devices into applications in defense, aircraft design and manufacturing, surgery, advertising and training, to name a just a few of the most promising avenues.