Investigation of a self-induced diffraction grating in CdS crystals subjected to cw laser excitation

Self-diffraction of cw laser radiation was observed and investigated in the transparency range of single-crystal CdS plates at temperatures T=293 and 77 K. The parameters of such a light-induced diffraction grating were determined. The grating period was found to be governed by the wedge angle of the crystal plate and its formation altered greatly the optical properties of the plate.