Diffraction performance of an Au-coated stretchable grating
Abstract
A stretchable grating is fabricated from silicone. Diffraction efficiency is improved by coating the grating with a 30 nm layer of Au. Performance of uncoated and coated gratings is consistent with diffraction theory. Angular scanning is demonstrated as a function of applied strain. The Au layer improves diffraction efficiency by an order of magnitude. We find that the optical diffraction provides insight into microscopic features of stretched elastomers. Reflectivity decreases with strain as a result of buckling effects on the metal surface.