Abstract

Samples from both hydrothermal and melt growth techniques were characterized for absorption, index of refraction, and photorefractive dynamics. Doped hydrothermal samples possessed similar photorefractive properties to nominally undoped melt growth samples. BSO operates over a wide range of wavelengths, and it would be desirable to maintain the sensitivity of BSO while controlling the absorption coefficient at wavelengths into the infrared laser-diode operating region. The doped hydrothermal crystal is very transparent, having a light green color. In addition, a variety of response times may be useful in implementing optical analog devices in analogue to electronic devices. For example, heavy doping with chrome produces a dark, almost black, sample with an extremely long response time.

© 1992 Optical Society of America