Holographic parabolic mirror as a receiver optical front end for wireless infrared communications: Experimental study

The inherent multifunctionality of holographic optical elements and their light physical weight make them an attractive solution for the receiver optics of portable terminals in indoor infrared wireless communication systems. A parabolic holographic mirror has been recorded in silver halide at a visible wavelength, and its replay wavelength has been shifted to the near infrared. Employment of proprietary swelling technology resulted in a permanent replay wavelength shift without the need for hologram sealing. Despite the relatively low diffraction efficiency of holograms recorded in silver halide in principle, an improvement in the receiver signal-to-noise ratio of more than 20 dB has been measured. The results of the conducted experiments proved undoubtedly the great potential of curved holographic mirrors as a key element of the receiver optical front end in IR wireless communication systems.