The present invention relates to an improved process for photorefractive index grating formation utilizing polymeric photorefractive materials. The process involves the steps of: (i) exposing a polymeric optical article to electromagnetic radiation having an intensity of at least 0.05 W/cm2 for a short period of time to achieve an absorbed energy/unit volume of at least 1×103 J/cm3 to activate the article, and (ii) exposing the polymeric optical article to an electric field and electromagnetic radiation to form an index grating.