Advances in pulsed holographic interferometry with photorefractive crystals

Photorefractive crystals offer many advantages over other classical holographic recording media. They allow fast in-situ processable holographic recording as well as indefinite reusability. Moreover high signal-to-noise ratio can be reached as well as high resolutions. We present the results obtained by pulsed holographic interferometry obtained with photorefractive crystals. First experiments showing the potentiality of photorefractive crystals for such applications will be reviewed. Some limitations were pointed out and led us to consider new developments under the frame of an European-funded project. The PHIFE European project (Pulsed Holographic Interferometer for the analysis of Fast Events) aims at developing a full field measurement system at a high repetition rate, based on a double-pulse YAG Q-switch laser. This device will be used for the analysis of vibrations and for aerodynamic studies. Different crystals are considered which are adapted to the fundamental line of the YAG (AsGa or CdTe crystals) or after frequency doubling at 532 nm (Bi/sub 12/SiO /sub 20/). Different crystal configurations and recording geometries are compared. Also different innovative phase quantification techniques are studied and take into account some special properties of the PRCs. We present the results obtained so far in the first development phases of the projec