Influence of post-growth treatment on the optical properties of In:Ce:Cu:LiNbO3 crystals

Congruent In (3 mol%):Ce:Cu:LiNbO3 crystals have been grown by the Czochralski method in air. Some crystal samples were reduced in Li2CO3 power, and others were oxidized in Nb2O5 power. The structure of crystals was studied by an infrared transmittance spectrum. The resistance ability to optical damage and the photorefractive properties were measured by light-induced scattering experiments and two-beam coupling, respectively. It has been found that the reduction treatment increased the photoconductivity , which resulted in decreased erasure time and diffraction efficiency, but higher light-induced scattering resistance ability. The oxidation treatment caused the inverse affect. Finally, the nonvolatile holographic recording in In:Ce:Cu:LiNbO3 crystals is realized.