Use of self-processing dry photopolymers for the generation of relief optical elements: a photochemical study

Abstract

A new technique based on the imaging of systems in which a dry photopolymer layer is capable of memorizing optical information as a local change in thickness was developed. The generation of a relief structure takes place under the sole action of light. The latent image is revealed by the self-processing character of the material and requires no chemical treatment. The relief formation was found to depend on a spatial gradient of monomer conversion and a surface free-energy gradient. Both lead to mass transport of reactive species, that depend on photonic, optical and physicochemical parameters. This process permits the use of these optical elements in reflection after metal coating or the fabrication of masters for embossing technology. In addition, the photopolymer films appear to be suited to the recording of computer-generated focusing elements for infrared radiation.