Holography, coherent light amplification and optical phase conjugation with photorefractive materials

Abstract

This paper presents a review of photorefractive effects in electro-optic materials and their applications. Materials properties giving rise to increased photo-sensitivities are discussed and compared with experimental data for a series of newer materials. The formation of volume holograms in these crystals, and accompanying optical effects such as beam coupling and phase conjugation, are discussed. Theoretical results derived from charge transport parameters are compared with our original data obtained in “dynamic holography” experiments with Bi 12GeO 20, Bi 12SiO 20 and KNbO 3:Fe 2+. The optimum parameters for applications such as volume hologram storage, coherent light amplification, optical phase conjugation etc. have been determined, and possible applications are discussed.