[1] The effect can be used to store temporary, erasable holograms and is useful for holographic data storage.
[2][3] It can also be used to create a phase-conjugate mirror or an optical spatial soliton.
In this configuration, Bragg diffraction condition is automatically satisfied.
The pattern stored inside the crystal persists until the pattern is erased; this can be done by flooding the crystal with uniform illumination which will excite the electrons back into the conduction band and allow them to be distributed more uniformly.
Photorefractive materials include barium titanate (BaTiO3), lithium niobate (LiNbO3), vanadium doped zinc telluride (ZnTe:V), organic photorefractive materials, certain photopolymers, and some multiple quantum well structures.