Abstract

Degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM) by gain saturation in laser media is very attractive for achieving to achieve efficient phase conjugation, owing to the laser amplification experienced by all interacting beams.^1–4 Applications to pulsed dynamic holography and self Correction of the thermally induced phase distortion of the laser medium have been already proposed.⁵ In this paper, we present experimental and theoretical investigations of DFWM in a diode-pumped Nd:YVO₄ amplifier. Nd:YVO₄ is a very efficient laser material that exhibits a large stimulated-emission cross section σ_e and a strong absorption at the diode-laser wavelength. This factors combine to make Nd:YVO₄ a high-gain laser material that is particularly suitable for diode pumping.⁶

© 1995 Optical Society of America