This is the first of two volumes that review, for the first time, all major aspects of photorefractive effects and their applications. Photorefractive effects in electro-optic crystals are based on optically induced space-charge fields which ultimately alter the refractive indices by the electro-optic Pockels effect. The fundamental phenomena leading to photoinduced changes of refractive index, the materials requirements and experimental results on a variety of photorefractive materials are discussed and the most recent theoretical models describing these phenomena are presented. Interest in photorefractive materials has increased in recent years mainly because of their potential for nonlinear optical devices and for optical signals processing applications. Most of these applications are reviewed in the second volume devoted to this topic. The contributions to these two volumes are written by experts on each topic and are intended for scientists and engineers active in the field and for researchers and graduate students entering the field. Over 300 references to original papers on photorefractive and associated phenomena are cited.

An outstanding reference book on an exciting topic, reaching out to the 21st century's key technologies. The editors, together with leading experts in the field from both academic research and industry, bring together the latest knowledge on this technique. The book starts with an introduction on the history and fundamentals, multiplexing methods, and noise sources. The following chapters describe in detail recording media, components, channels, platforms for demonstration, and competing technologies such as classical hard disks or optical disks. More than 700 references will make this the ultimate source of information for the years to come. The book is intended for physicists, optical engineers, and executives alike.

Holographic Data Storage is an outstanding reference book on an exciting topic reaching out to the 21st century's key technologies. The editors, Hans J. Coufal (IBM), Demetri Psaltis (CalTech), and Glenn Sincerbox (University of Arizona), together with leading experts in this area of research from both academic research and industry, bring together the latest knowledge on this technique. The book starts with an introduction on the history and fundamentals, multiplexing methods, and noise sources. The following chapters describe in detail recording media, components, channels, platforms for demonstration, and competing technologies such as classical hard disks or optical disks. More than 700 references make this book the ultimate source of information for the years to come. The book is intended for physicists, optical engineers, and executives alike.