Optical properties of manganese-doped yttrium orthoaluminate crystals (Mn:YAlO 3 ), grown by the Czochralski technique, are reported. Luminescence and absorption spectra indicate the presence of Mn 4ϩ ions in as-grown crystals, and Mn 3ϩ , Mn 4ϩ , and Mn 5ϩ ions simultaneously in photoexcited crystals. A permanent diffraction grating, erasable by heating, was obtained in the crystals with diffraction efficiency of more than 50% at 514.5 nm reading wavelength and 1-2 % in 632-930 nm wavelength range. Reading at wavelengths longer than 630 nm did not damage the recorded grating. The electro-optical effect observed in the photoexcited crystals implies that manganese ions disturb the YAlO 3 crystal structure so that it becomes noncentrosymmetric.

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In work [1] we have studied photoinduced absorption, associated with it refraction index change, and holographic grating recording in Mn doped yttrium orthoaluminate (Mn:YAlO3). We have shown Mn:YAlO3 to be a promising material for optical storage and holography. In the present work, we spectroscopically investigate Mn ions in different valence states as well as transitions between different valence states responsible for photoinduced coloration of Mn:YAlO3.