Abstract

The photorefractive effect in BaTiO₃ is characterized by a wide spectral response typically covering the entire visible spectrum. This result can be quantified by measuring the two-beam coupling coefficient and response time as a function of the incident wavelength. Such data were obtained for BaTiO₃ over a spectral range of 400-1300 nm. In addition the variation of these parameters with grating wavelength is also presented. The most immediate result of this study was the observation of a significant near-infrared response. Therefore, many optical devices such as passive phase conjugate mirrors which utilize the photorefractive effect in BaTiO₃ should be possible with near-IR sources including semiconductor lasers. The feasibility of such applications is discussed along with methods to increase the near-infrared response of BaTiO₃.

© 1985 Optical Society of America