Photorefractive Beam Fanning Optical Limiter

Abstract

AbstractWe have investigated the potential for using photorefractive phenomena in optical limiting devices. The major obstacle preventing the photorefractive limiter from reaching this potential has been speed of response. In this paper we report on several techniques which are successful in enhancing the photorefractive beam fanning response time. In particular, we demonstrate and characterize the use of applied electric fields, gratings to seed the beam fan, and cylindrical focusing. We also report the first demonstration of a prototype beam fanning optical limiter encompassing many of the proposed improvements.