OBSERVATION OF AMPLITUDE GRATINGS IN NONPOLED STRONTIUM BARIUM NIOBATE CRYSTALS

We present the results of recording of amplitude gratings in SrxBa1-xN b2O6 (SBN) crystals. To eliminate the photorefractive effect we used n onpoled samples. A simple technique defined the susceptibility of dope d SBN to amplitude gratings recording. It was shown that, of SBN cryst als doped with Ce, Cr, and Co, SBN:Co is the most effective material f or use in investigating the photochromic effect. This material has a s trong dichroism in linear and photoinduced absorption. The steady-stat e and dynamic behavior of absorption gratings in nonpoled SBN:Co cryst als was studied by the two-wave mixing technique. The study is importa nt both for the optimization of doped SBN for photorefractive applicat ions and for characterization of the electronic structure of defects i n these materials. (C) 1998 Optical Society of America.