Phase-Contrast Mirror Based on Four-Wave Mixing

Abstract

We demonstrate that some mirrors using four-wave mixing processes can transform phase variations of the incident beam into amplitude variations of the reflected beam. The property of these mirrors arises from the interference between phase-conjugate and distributed feedback emissions. We present the results of experiments done with a rubidium cell and show how wave front deformations may be studied by such a mirror.

Roll and hexagonal patterns in a phase-contrast oscillator

“…We now consider that the preceding phase-contrast mirror is placed in front of a real mirror M having an amplitude Using equations (5) and (12), one can rewrite equations (13) where l~= E~~. [8].…”

“…The second expression of E in equation (28a) shows that the pattern can also be considered The principle of the calculation is to express the reflected oscillating field by a formula identical to equation (12) but with E given by equation (28a The second term arises from nonlinear coupling between the beams that appear in the cubic term of equation (3). Note that we have replaced aRl~by 1/2 to evaluate this contribution.…”

Dissipative Solitons in Pattern-Forming Nonlinear Optical Systems: Cavity Solitons and Feedback Solitons

“…in the 'half-cavity box' formed by the medium and the mirror a self-consistent localized state forms due to the interplay of nonlinear refraction (lensing) and diffraction. We mention that the analogy can be made even closer by regarding the medium as an 'active mirror' [130,131], although to our knowledge this idea was not worked out for localized states. However, we will see that the 'part-of-a-pattern'-interpretation can also be applied in the FS case.…”