photorefractive

Photorefractive refers to a nonlinear optical effect in certain materials in which the refractive index changes in response to light intensity. The effect arises when illumination causes the redistribution of charge carriers, producing a space-charge electric field that, through the material’s electro-optic properties, alters the refractive index. This allows light to induce and modulate optical gratings and dynamic holograms within the material.

Mechanism and operation often involve three steps: generation or excitation of charge carriers by light, transport of those carriers via drift or diffusion and trapping at local sites, and the formation of a space-charge field. The resulting internal field changes the refractive index through the electro-optic effect. When interference patterns or two coherent beams are present, a holographic volume grating can form, enabling diffraction and beam coupling. The process can be tuned by material properties, light wavelength, intensity, and temperature, leading to time-dependent responses.

Materials commonly used for photorefractive effects include inorganic crystals such as lithium niobate (LiNbO3) and lithium tantalate (LiTaO3), as well as strontium barium niobate (SBN). Photorefractive polymers have also been developed. Applications span holographic data storage, real-time image processing, adaptive optics, phase conjugation, all-optical switching, and other forms of dynamic optical information processing.

Limitations include relatively slow response times in some materials, dependence on light intensity and wavelength, potential material damage at high intensities, and variability due to crystal quality and temperature. Research continues to improve sensitivity, speed, and practical implementations.