Abstract

The first experimental verification to the authors’ knowledge of efficient two-step recording in a photorefractive and piezoelectric crystal of ${\mathrm{La}}_3{\mathrm{Ga}}_5{\mathrm{SiO}}_{14}:{\mathrm{Pr}}^{3+}$ with cw laser light $\left(I<20 \mathrm{W}/{\mathrm{cm}}^2\right)$ is reported. We found nonlinear behavior of the photorefractive sensitivity and photovoltaic current, indicating that the excitation process is connected to excitation of $4f^2$ electrons of the ${\mathrm{Pr}}^{3+}$ dopant through an intermediate level to the conduction band. This two-step nature of the photorefractive effect makes the crystal an exciting new candidate for applications in holographic storage.

© 1998 Optical Society of America

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