Fabrication of a pure polarization grating in a cross-linked azopolymer by polarization-modulated holography

A cross-linked azopolymer with high optical and thermal stability was prepared. A pure polarization grating without surface topology was fabricated from cross-linked azopolymer by polarization holography by use of orthogonal linearly polarized beams from a He-Cd laser with a power density of 60 mW/cm(-2). The surface relief structure was investigated by atomic-force microscopy, and the polarization grating was observed by polarization optical microscopy. The grating spacing is 1.5 microm. The grating is stable at room temperature and can endure repeated writing-erasing.