Multiplexing dynamic holograms in a cubic photorefractive crystal

Usage of dynamic photorefractive (PR) holograms in optical and fiber-optical measurement systems makes them adaptive, i.e. capable to operate in unstable environment and reliably detect ultra-small physical quantities. At the same time holograms multiplexing techniques are required for development of a multidimensional measurement system consisting of a large number of sensors. Known multiplexing techniques are based on mutual incoherency of mixed waves, using different wavelengths or selective holograms enhancement by application of external electric field to PR crystal. Complexity of the measurement system based on the mentioned techniques (especially related to high voltage requirements) reduces the systems´ performance or its practical applications range. In this work the authors proposed a simple and highly efficient approach to multiplexing several dynamic reflection holograms of diffusion type in a single PR crystal using a single reference beam.