Abstract

Polarization anisotropic diffraction has been observed in BaTiO₃. In this process, two c-axis polarized laser beams intersecting in the crystal at the phase matching angle have been observed to produce two strong diffracted −1 order beams, a weak +1 beam, and a very weak −2 beam that are each polarized perpendicular to the c-axis of the crystal. In general, these diffracted beams are observed for any two incident beams that both have polarization components parallel to the c-axis. Also a single extraordinary beam propagating through a BaTiO₃ crystal has been observed to produce a diverging ring of light that is polarized perpendicular to the c-axis. It is believed that this ring is produced by a photorefractive grating that is set up by interference between the incident beam and the component of light scattered at the phase matching angle within the crystal. Diffraction efficiencies in excess of 25 % have been observed in each of the −1 order beams.

© 1985 Optical Society of America