Method and apparatus for energy transfers between optical beams using near-bandgap electrorefractive effect
US5130849A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 13, 1989 |
| Grant date | Jul 14, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 13, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F1/397
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Enhanced energy transfers are achieved between optical beams by operating at wavelengths in the near-bandgap region of a photorefractive material, and employing an electrorefractive effect previously proposed only for single beams. An electric field is applied across a photorefractive medium of sufficient intensity to induce an electrorefractive coupling and consequent energy transfer between the beams. Gain enhancements are possible by orienting the photorefractive medium to obtain an electro-optic as well as an electrorefractive effect, and by a moving grating technique. The direction of energy transfer between the beams is controlled by the electric field direction, and can be reversed by reversing the field. Operation in the infrared region is made possible with semi-insulating materials. Applications include optical switches, amplifiers and phase conjugators.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.