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Picosecond photorefractive effect in BaTiO(3).
Optics Letters
|September 11, 2009
Summary
Researchers observed photorefractive index gratings in barium titanate (BaTiO3) using short laser pulses. These gratings persisted long after initial formation, indicating unique material properties for optical applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optics
- Solid State Physics
Background:
- Barium titanate (BaTiO3) is a well-known photorefractive material.
- Understanding photorefractive gratings is crucial for optical data storage and processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the formation and decay dynamics of photorefractive index gratings in BaTiO3.
- To determine the carrier recombination time and mobility in BaTiO3 under specific conditions.
Main Methods:
- Writing and reading photorefractive gratings using single 30-picosecond laser pulses.
- Utilizing a wavelength of 0.532 micrometers and fluences from 1 to 15 mJ/cm(2).
- Analyzing grating dynamics from picoseconds to minutes post-formation.
Main Results:
- Photorefractive gratings were successfully written and read out in BaTiO3.
- Grating signals persisted for extended periods, from 50 picoseconds to many minutes.
- A rapid decay of the free-carrier grating (50-100 picoseconds) was observed.
Conclusions:
- The rapid formation and decay dynamics suggest a carrier recombination time below 100 picoseconds.
- Alternatively, a high carrier mobility (>23 cm(2)/V sec) is indicated.
- These findings highlight BaTiO3's potential for fast optical switching and data storage.
