TEMPERATURE-DEPENDENCE OF LIGHT-INDUCED SCATTERING IN A CE-FE-LINBO3 PHOTOREFRACTIVE CRYSTAL

Light-induced scattering in a Ce:Fe:LiNbO3 crystal is highly temperatu re dependent. By considering the effect due to thermally activated ion s in a photorefractive crystal, we have shown that the photoinduced sp ace-charge field is neutralized by the activated ions, This neutraliza tion in turn leads to a reduction of scattering noise in the crystal. By raising the crystal temperature, we have observed a reduction in sc attering noise, which is consistent with our prediction. The signal-to -noise ratio (SNR) in a two-wave mixing amplification due to thermal a ctivation effect is analyzed. Experimental demonstrations using a Ce:F e:LiNbO3 crystal are provided in which we have shown that the SNR impr oves as the crystal temperature increases. (C) 1996 Society of Photo-O ptical Instrumentation Engineers.