Multiple gratings simultaneously formed in holographic polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal displays

We report single-layer holographic polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal materials with multiple reflection and/or diffraction gratings. Three switchable gratings are observed in a single film formed in a three-beam interference pattern. Two reflection gratings and one transmission grating are formed, corresponding to each of the three possible two-beam interference fringes. We present scanning electron microscopy and electro-optic results which are in good agreement with our model based on matrix methods and coupled-wave theory. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0003-6951(00)00805-6].