Grating formation and decay in photochromic Mn, Ce : LiNbO3

We report photochromic properties of manganese and cerium co-doped lithium niobate crystals that is a candidate for nonvolatile holographic storage. The reduction and ultraviolet-induced absorption spectra showed the charge state changes of dopant ions in co-doped crystals. We also report the dynamics of the light-induced absorption and grating formations. The crystal with relatively higher cerium concentration than manganese has produced large persistent diffraction efficiency under 1 W/cm2 recording intensity and 25 mW/cm2 sensitization.