Silver halide sensitized gelatin holograms using Slavich PFG-01 emulsion

Abstract

Silver halide sensitized gelatin (SHSG) is an interesting technique for the production of holographic optical elements. It combines the high sensitivity of photographic emulsions with the well-known low scattering and high diffraction efficiency corresponding to dichromated gelatin. In this paper we present a comparative study of SHSG holograms recorded on both Slavich PFG-01 and Agfa 8E75 HD emulsions. We will show that real high diffraction efficiencies can be obtained (as high as 93% allowing for reflections) when using Slavich material for recording phase transmission holograms versus the 84% obtained with Agfa plates. The influence of the developer is also studied in the SHSG procedure for the production of phase transmission holograms on PFG-01 plates. Our investigations reveal that PFG-01 emulsion is not only a substitute for Agfa material, but may offer better results at a moment in which Agfa has stopped its production of holographic material.