Holographic storage medium and method of making holographic storage medium

Abstract

Articles for recording a holographic image are described. The articles include a holographic recording medium having a plurality of surfaces, having a transparent polymeric binder and a photochemically active dye, the holographic recording medium having a holographic image recorded therein formed by exposed areas of the photochemically active dye and unexposed areas of the photochemically active dye; and a first light-blocking layer or material over a first surface of the holographic recording medium from which surface the holographic image is viewed, the light blocking layer or material absorbing light in the wavelength range to which the photochemically active dye is sensitive and allowing transmission of light in a different wavelength range for viewing the holographic image.

1 . An article displaying a holographic image, comprising:
 a holographic recording medium having a plurality of surfaces, comprising a transparent polymeric binder and a photochemically active dye, said holographic recording medium having the holographic image recorded therein at one or more writing wavelengths and formed from photoreacted areas of the photochemically active dye and unreacted areas of the photochemically active dye; and   a first light-blocking layer or material applied to the article with a pressure-sensitive or other adhesive, heat lamination, static charge adhesion, or mechanically affixing to a first surface of the holographic recording medium from which surface the holographic image is viewed, said light blocking layer or material absorbing light over the entire wavelength range to which the photochemically active dye is sensitive and allowing transmission of light in a different wavelength range for viewing the holographic image.   
     
     
         2 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the holographic image is a transmission holographic image viewable from the first surface when light directed onto a second surface of the holographic recording medium passes through the holographic recording medium and exits through the first surface, and further comprising a second light-blocking layer or material, which may have a composition that is the same as or different from the first light-blocking layer or material, disposed over the second surface of the holographic recording medium, said second light blocking layer or material absorbing light over the entire wavelength range to which the photochemically active dye is sensitive and allowing transmission of light in a different wavelength range for viewing the holographic image. 
     
     
         3 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the holographic recording medium is a holographic film, and the first surface is on one side of the holographic film and the second surface is on the opposite side of the holographic film. 
     
     
         4 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the holographic image is a transmission holographic image viewable from the first surface when light directed onto the first surface of the holographic recording medium reflects off of a reflecting layer or material disposed over a second surface of the holographic recording medium. 
     
     
         5 . The article of  claim 4 , wherein the reflecting layer or material is opaque or absorbs light over the entire wavelength range to which the photochemically active dye is sensitive. 
     
     
         6 . The article of  claim 4 , further comprising a layer or material disposed over the reflecting material that is opaque or absorbs light over the entire wavelength range to which the photochemically active dye is sensitive. 
     
     
         7 . The article of  claim 4 , wherein the holographic recording medium is a holographic film, and the first surface is one side of the holographic film and the second surface is the opposite side of the holographic film. 
     
     
         8 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the holographic image is a reflection holographic image viewable from the first surface when light is directed onto the first surface of the holographic recording medium, and further comprises a layer or material disposed over the second surface that is opaque or absorbs light in the light over the entire wavelength range to which the photochemically active dye is sensitive. 
     
     
         9 . The article of  claim 8 , wherein the holographic recording medium is a holographic film, and the first surface is one side of the holographic film and the second surface is the opposite side of the holographic film. 
     
     
         10 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the light blocking layer or material comprises an organic or organometallic dye and a polymeric binder. 
     
     
         11 . The article of  claim 10 , wherein the organic or organometallic dye includes a UV absorber dye. 
     
     
         12 . The article of  claim 10 , wherein the organic or organometallic dye is selected from the group consisting of benzoquinones, benzotriazoles, cyanoacrylates, benzophenones, salicylates, hindered amines, anthraquinones, phthalones, pyrophthalones, azomethines, quinones, barbituric acid derivatives, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The article of  claim 10 , wherein the organic or organometallic dye is present in an amount of 0.1 to 25 wt. % with respect to the polymeric binder. 
     
     
         14 . The article of  claim 10 , wherein the polymeric binder is selected from the group consisting of polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polyesters, polyolefins, polycarbonates, polystyrenes, polyesters, polyamideimides, polyarylates, polyarylsulfones, polyethersulfones, polyphenylene sulfides, polysulfones, polyimides, polyetherimides, polyetherketones, polyether etherketones, polyether ketone ketones, polysiloxanes, polyurethanes, polyethers, polyether amides, polyether esters, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the light blocking layer or material is disposed over at least portion of the first surface of the holographic recording medium.