Three-dimensional recording by tightly focused femtosecond pulses in LiNbO_3

摘要

The authors report on a three-dimensional single-shot optical recording by 150 fs pulses at 800 nm wavelength in Fe doped LiNbO_3. The rewritable bits (2_x X 2_y X 8_z μm~3) are demonstrated. The highest refractive index modulation of ～10~(-3) per single pulse has been formed by preferential photovoltaic effect at close to the dielectric breakdown irradiance of ～TW/cm~2 and was independent of polarization (in respect to the c axis). The achievable refractive index modulation is evaluated and the recording mechanisms are discussed.