Decay of photorefractive gratings in LiNbO3:Fe by neutron irradiation

The effect of neutron irradiation on photorefractive gratings in LiNbO3:Fe single crystals is studied experimentally. The observed phenomena result from the large effective cross section of Li6 for thermal and cold neutrons and from the large number of the electrons excited to the conduction band by...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied physics letters 2005-04, Vol.86 (14)
Main Authors: Mandula, G., Rupp, R. A., Balaskó, M., Kovács, L.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:The effect of neutron irradiation on photorefractive gratings in LiNbO3:Fe single crystals is studied experimentally. The observed phenomena result from the large effective cross section of Li6 for thermal and cold neutrons and from the large number of the electrons excited to the conduction band by the high kinetic energy that is released during the neutron generated fission of Li6 nuclei. The excited electrons erase the previously recorded holographic grating. The sensitivity threshold of the effect is better than 160mSv (1.2×1010cm−2 fluence) at neutron energy of 0.17eV. Potential applications of the phenomena are discussed.
ISSN:0003-6951
1077-3118
DOI:10.1063/1.1891298