A Means to Dynamic Structured Optical Nanocomposites for Nanophotonics

Holographic photopolymerization is a versatile tool in the fabrication of two-phase (component) films with a wide range of applications. We briefly describe work in several areas including electrically switchable 1- and 3-dimensionally ordered polymer/LC systems and static organic/inorganic periodic structures. Holography allows for large area film formation, fine control over periodicity on optical wavelength scales, any geometry fringe planes including curved, and fast (sec), scalable photoprocessing to occur. We explore a new chemistry currently being investigated in switchable diffraction gratings as well as extension of these systems in the formation of photonic band gap resonators in this talk.