Photorefractive Polymers and Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystals

Photorefractive (PR) polymers are multifunctional field-responsive materials that combine photoconducting and electro-optic properties. In this chapter, we will review the basics of photorefractivity in polymers and liquid crystals and describe recent advances that have led to highly efficient materials. These advances in material development enable a variety of photonic applications including optical correlators for security verification.