Switchable Holograms for Automotive Applications

This paper will discuss the relatively new technology of polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) based switchable holograms and its potential for application in the automotive industry. We have developed a novel photopolymer dispersed liquid crystal based material system, which allows fast, single-step recording of holograms with electrically controllable diffraction efficiency. The various characteristics of the holograms will be described as well as special considerations for various potential device configurations. Material characteristics to be described include transmission efficiency, diffraction efficiency, switching dynamic range, switching speed, recording sensitivity, temperature effects, voltage requirements, and system stability. Device applications to be considered include holographic optical elements, fiber switching, and displays.