ABSTRACT
Persistent spectral hole burning (PSHB) is a new method in the laser spectroscopy of solids. This method is based on the existence of zero-phonon lines in the spectra of light-absorbing species, such as impurities (molecules, ions, etc.) or color centers in crystalline or amorphous materials. This chapter describes the electric field effects on persistent spectral holes and in particular special applications in electrooptics and photonics. It demonstrates that PSHB is useful not only for digital processes, such as data storage in the electric field domain, but also for analog processes concerning, in particular, the modulation and pulse forming of laser beams and hybrid optical bistability. The chapter also discusses the future prospects of the possible applications of PSHB and electric field effects. For future possible applications involving PSHB techniques in everyday appliances, it is important to provide room-temperature operation.
