The gelling kinetics of selfdeveloping dichromated gelatin layers synthesized for holographic applications

The gelling kinetics of the selfdeveloping dichromated gelatin layers sensitized by the methylene blue dye is investigated. It is shown that glycerol in this system is not only a plasticizer but it also increases the number of intermolecular links with macromolecules of gelatin. On the basis of polarographic and holographic studies, an optimal proportion between the glycerol and gelatin in the system is chosen. Adding the glycerol in the gelatin decreases the rate of attaining the maximum diffraction efficiency. KEY WORDS: dichromated gelatin, glycerol, selfdeveloping, volume holograms, red sensitivity, methylene blue