Holographic beam coupling in anisotropic photorefractive media

Abstract

The process of two-beam holographic coupling in optically anisotropic media is analyzed. We consider holographic media possessing birefringence, optical activity, and spatial modulation of these effects. Coupled equations are derived, and expressions for diffraction efficiency, angular and wavelength sensitivity, and polarization properties of the interacting beams are obtained. Results are compared with those of experiments with holograms formed in photorefractive Bi12SiO20 crystals.