title: Long holographic lifetimes in bacteriorhodopsin films.
abstract: The D85N genetic variant of bacteriorhodopsin (BR) displays a nearly permanent lifetime of the photochromic P(490) state. We present pump-probe measurements that demonstrate this behavior. However, diffraction efficiency measurements made from holograms recorded in a hydrated D85N film show markedly different decay behavior, suggesting that a molecular diffusion process is occurring in the film. Holograms recorded with different grating frequencies display correspondingly different decay times, thus supporting this hypothesis. A thin D85N film was fabricated that was chemically cross linked, resulting in the elimination of diffusion of BR molecules within the polymer matrix. This film exhibits a grating lifetime of the order of weeks or more, thus permitting the long-term holographic storage of information.
authors: J D
authors: JD
authors: Downie
authors: do A A
authors: do AA
authors: Timuçin
authors: D T
authors: DT
authors: Smithey
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Crew