Photorefractives for fast optics

Abstract

This thesis describes an experimental and theoretical study into the nonlinear optical
properties of novel photorefractive materials and devices. The focus of the work is
centred on bringing together the attractive attributes of inorganic and organic
materials in a single hybrid device and to increase the photorefractive effect that is
available from either material alone.

Consequently three novel photorefractive devices have been developed that are
suitable for use as frequency agile optical filters and exhibit greater contrast ratios
than previous passive photorefractive materials. Small signal gain co-efficients of up
to 1600cm-1 are demonstrated in these hybrid devices, compared to less than 20cm-1
in a single photorefractive window without any inorganic-organic hybridisation. The
fundamental understanding in an inorganic photorefractive hybrid has also been
advanced.

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