Methods and Strategies for Enhancing the Performance of PQ/PMMA Photopolymers for Holographic Data Storage

With the advent of the big data era, traditional storage technologies struggle to meet the demands for long-term, secure, and cost-effective preservation of massive amounts of information. Collinear holographic storage technology has emerged as a strong contender for next-generation optical storage due to its high storage density, rapid parallel transmission, and exceptional reliability. Among various storage materials, phenanthraquinone-doped poly(methyl methacrylate) (PQ/PMMA) photopolymer has garnered significant attention for its negligible photo-induced volume shrinkage, low cost, controllable thickness, and polarization-sensitive holographic response properties. However, the material’s limited photosensitivity, low polarization response, and poor optical uniformity severely constrain its application in high-speed recording and multidimensional multiplexing holographic systems. This paper reviews the primary methods and strategies employed over the past five years to enhance the holographic performance of PQ/PMMA photopolymer materials, based on the microscopic physicochemical mechanisms underlying traditional and polarization holography, including chemical modification, nanoscale doping, mechanical control, etc. Through a systematic review of these research advances, this paper aims to provide theoretical foundations and technical references for developing high-performance PQ/PMMA photopolymer materials suitable for collinear holographic storage.