Optical damage in transition metal doped ferroelectrics

Abstract
The results of a detailed study of optically induced refractive index changes (optical damage) in undoped and doped LiNbO3 are presented. The quantitative relationships between the sensitivity to optical damage and the concentrations of Fe ions are determined. The concentrations of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions have been evaluated from EPR, acoustic EPR and optical spectra. The optimal parameters of LiNbO3: Fe crystals for obtaining the highest photorefractive sensitivity are determined.