GAIN-GRATINGS AND DYNAMIC HOLOGRAPHY IN SOLID-STATE LASER MEDIA

Optically written gain gratings in inverted laser media are investigat ed both theoretically and experimentally. We present a transient analy sis, valid in the nanosecond-pulsed regime, that permits calculation o f the diffraction efficiency and profile of the gain grating within th e medium for both transmission-and reflection-type gratings. Because o f the laser amplification experienced by all interacting beams, greate r-than-unity diffraction efficiency is achievable. Application to high -speed dynamic holography is demonstrated in flash-lamp-pumped Nd:YAG and compact diode-pumped Nd:YVO4 solid-state amplifiers.