Optically-written gain gratings in inverted laser media are investigated both theoretically and experimentally. We present a transient analysis, valid in the nanosecond pulsed regime, that permits to calculate the diffraction efficiency and the profile of the gain grating within the medium for both transmission and reflection type gratings. Because of the laser amplification experienced by all interaction beams, it is shown that greater-than unity diffraction efficiency are achievable. Application to high speed dynamic holography is demonstrated in flash-lamp pumped Nd: YAG and compact diode-pumed Nd: YVO4 solid-state amplifiers.
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