Holographic multiplexing in photorefractive and photochromic polymers - associative optical memories for high-throughput screening

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Klaus Meerholz
• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Molecules, Liquids and Interfaces, Biophysical Chemistry
• Term: from 2002 to 2008
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5383347

Holographic multiplexing experiments should be performed at the University of Köln with the next generation of photorefractive and photochromic low-molecular-weight glasses to be developed at ENS Cachan and to be characterized and modeled at IPCMS Strasbourg. The holograms are stored in a way that they can be all read at the same time, allowing for optical cross-correlation of images. In particular, if images originate from bio (-chemical) sensor arrays, this technique will allow to rapidly test for cross-sensitivities, taking into account all channels simultaneously. Thus, the project will have a strong impact on future medical applications such as high-throughput screening. The expected output of the project is the development of novel glassy compounds with unique photorefractive and/or photochromic properties, their in-depth characterization, and finally the first realization of an associative optical memory for the evaluation and the cross-correlation of bio(-chemical) sensor arrays. The project brings together three teams with ideally compatible expertise in the fields of organic synthetic chemistry, material science, physics and optical computing. This unique constellation guarantees a successful outcome of the project.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: France
• Participating Persons: Alain Fort; Eléna Ishow