The present invention offers control over—and the ability to optimize—the performance parameters of switchable holograms. The present invention offers the ability to tailor the properties of a hologram to a desired application and thus make application-specific holograms. The invention relates to polymer-dispersed liquid crystal materials subject to control and optimization of the performance parameters of switchable holograms. Such variability allows tailoring the properties to application-specific devices. Specifically, the present invention provides an improved polymer-dispersed liquid crystal system that allows variation of: 1) haze, 2) switching voltage, 3) electrical power dissipation, 4) switching stability (voltage creep), 5) switching contrast ratio (range), 6) dynamic stability, and 7) the operating temperature range.