Stoichiometric LiTaO₃for Dynamic Holography in Near UV Wavelength Range

Abstract

LiTaO 3 single crystals with near-stoichiometric composition are grown using a double crucible Czochralski method equipped with an automatic powder supply system. Their photorefractive properties are compared with those of LiTaO 3 crystals grown from the congruent composition melt. Two beam coupling experiments show that nearly stoichiometric LiTaO 3 crystals exhibit considerably higher photorefractive gain, speed and sensitivity than conventional congruent crystals. Due to the relatively large photoconductivity observed at near UV wavelengths, stoichiometric crystals are further characterized by small photogalvanic fields, making them very attractive for dynamic holography in this wavelength range.