Soluble fullerene derivative in liquid crystal: polymer composites and their impact on photorefractive grating efficiency and resolution.

By using soluble fullerene derivative [60]PCBM, we improved photorefractive efficiency in polymer-liquid crystal composites in comparison to previous works on similar materials. We show the effect of polymer network results in resolution and bandwidth improvements compared to pure liquid crystals. This is explained by the introduction of a charge trapping mechanism, providing a memory effect for the composite. Based on this effect, we propose an approach for designing composites with higher grating efficiency and resolution.