In-situ analysis by Stokes polarimetry at the recording beam wavelength of the polarization properties of polarization holographic gratings with and without surface relief

Abstract As known, during polarization holographic recording in azopolymers alongside with the volume anisotropic grating a surface relief grating (SRG) is also formed. In this study, we investigate the polarization of the recording beams as they pass through the grating. This analysis is performed in real-time during the recording process using a novel optical setup that incorporates two polarimeters and two power meters. This setup enables us to gather detailed data on how the SRG affects the polarization properties of the resulting holograms. Additionally, we propose a straightforward yet effective approach to reduce the formation of the SRG, which in turn enhances the polarization characteristics of the holographic gratings. The efficiency of this technique is confirmed by our results.