Modeling and measurement of photoconductive and photorefractive dynamics in PVK-based materials

Summary form only given. Photorefractive (PR) materials are potentially interesting for a variety of applications, most of which require fast response times. Recently, several experimental studies were directed towards understanding the processes limiting PR speed in polymers. In order to understand these recent results, we have adapted Schildkraut and Buettner´s model for the evolution of the photorefractive space charge field in polymers. We have closely examined the contribution of trapping, detrapping and recombination, and have extended the model to include multiple trapping mechanisms. Most significantly, we have developed a procedure to solve the system of coupled nonlinear dynamical and constitutive equations in or er to elucidate the photoconductive mechanisms responsible for dynamic photorefractive behavior. We have applied this model in conjunction with experimental studies to establish its ability to predict the photorefractive response from measurements of photoconductive properties, and thus to verify the validity of the model.