A novel method for persistent holographic recording in doubly-doped lithium niobate

We present a novel method for recording persistent holograms in doubly-doped LiNbO3. Simultaneous sensitization of the crystal by an inhomogeneous UV beam can result to 32 % diffraction efficiency recorded by red light in a 0.85 mm thick sample, while read-out with only red light is non-destructive. Rapid optical erasure by ultraviolet light is possible and light scattering is efficiently prevented.