A method for the evaluation of the grating envelope in volume holographic media

A novel method for measuring the three-dimensional spatial distribution of gratings in a volume holographic medium is described. In this method, the diffraction of a uniform probe light wave is measured as a function of the deviation (either in angle or wavelength) from the Bragg condition. The envelope function of the grating is obtained by solving the coupled wave equations inversely. Not only the amplitude but also the phase of the envelope function is obtained. This method allows for the depletion of the probe light wave in the hologram and is applicable to both dielectric (refractive index) and absorption gratings. The resolution and the maximum measurable depth in this method are discussed.