Real time pre-detection dynamic range compression

A real time, pre-detection optical dynamic range compression system uses a photorefractive crystal, such as BaTiO3 or LiNbO3, in which light induced scattering from crystal inhomogeneities of the optical input occurs as a nonlinear function of the input intensity. The greater the intensity, the faster random interference gratings are created to scatter the incident light. The unscattered portion of the optical signal is therefore reduced in dynamic range over time. The amount or range of dynamic range compression may be controlled by adjusting the time of application of the unscattered crystal output to the photodetector with regard to the time of application of the optical input to the crystal.