Photorefractive and photochromic properties of Ru doped Sr0.61Ba0.39Nb2O6 crystal

We investigate the photorefractive properties of ruthenium doped strontium barium niobate by use of two-wave mixing experiments. Large gain coefficient of 19 cm(-1) and fast response time of 0.4 s at 1 W/cm(2) are obtained at a wavelength of 476.5 nm. We estimate photorefractive parameters using one-center model and discuss wavelength dependence of these parameters. Furthermore, this crystal exhibits strong photochromic effect in the wide spectral range by the illumination of UV light. This photochromic effect can be bleached by red-light illumination. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.