Light-scattering noise limits to optical signal processing in photorefractive media

Robert M. McGraw

doi:10.1117/12.58078

1 April 1992 Light-scattering noise limits to optical signal processing in photorefractive media

Robert M. McGraw

Proceedings Volume 1626, Nonlinear Optics III; (1992) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.58078
Event: OE/LASE '92, 1992, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

This paper investigates the effects of thermal light-scattering fluctuations and demonstrates that these are the dominant noise source inherent in photorefractive and electro-optic media. Fundamental noise limits to dynamic range and channel capacity are determined. Two sources of light-scattering fluctuations are examined: (1) thermal fluctuations in the space-charge field, which induce corresponding fluctuations in the dielectric constant through the electro-optic effect, and (2) fluctuations associated with the optical Kerr effect. Calculations are present for BaTiO3 and several other materials and are discussed in light of recent experimental measurements of dynamic range. Our results suggest a very large dynamic range for photorefractive materials (120 - 140 dB) that should prove useful for optical signal processing applications.

Citation Download Citation

Robert M. McGraw "Light-scattering noise limits to optical signal processing in photorefractive media", Proc. SPIE 1626, Nonlinear Optics III, (1 April 1992); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.58078

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