The recording and readout characteristics in doubly-doped LiNbO₃ crystal with one-color scheme are investigated based on jointly solving material equations and coupled-wave equations. Asymmetry between grating buildup and readout process is found when electrons in deep centers can be excited by recording light; the grating is quasi-nonvolatile. The shorter recording wavelength, and dopant in deep centers with a closer energy level to Fe in LiNbO₃ crystal, can strengthen such asymmetry. The further investigation shows that two aspects induce the quasi-nonvolatile behavior in doubly-doped LiNbO₃ crystal, one is the beam coupling between incident and diffracted beams, the other is two grating form in both centers. This research provides a possible method to prolong the lifetime of grating in doubly-doped LiNbO₃ crystals.

Date Published: 17 September 2007
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 6698, Photonic Fiber and Crystal Devices: Advances in Materials and Innovations in Device Applications, 669815 (17 September 2007);

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 6698:
Photonic Fiber and Crystal Devices: Advances in Materials and Innovations in Device Applications
Ruyan Guo; Shizhuo S. Yin; Francis T.S. Yu, Editor(s)