Abstract
Light-induced scattering in
Li
Nb
O
3
:
Fe
crystals codoped with different concentrations of
Hf
O
2
has been investigated. Unusual behaviors with varied
Hf
O
2
codoping are observed and explained. Li vacancies are suggested to be the main contributor to the dark conductivity of the crystal and subsequently to induce the threshold effect of the pump light intensity for the light-induced scattering. High photovoltaic field produced in the crystals is thought to be the cause of the serious light-induced scattering at high pump intensity. As a result,
Li
Nb
O
3
:
Fe
, Hf crystals exhibit an enhanced ability to suppress the light-induced scattering at moderate pump intensity.