Abstract

A model for a phase-conjugate mirror is derived which includes the effect of weak variation in pump Intensity. The result, In the approximation of nondepleted equal-intensity counterpropagating pump beams, Is a reflectivity and transversely varying phase shift with both effects dependent on probe beam parameters. We applied this result to a simple phase-conjugate resonator, choosing geometries for both conjugate and resonator that are suitable for Gaussian optics. We found that instabilities may arise, which are related to the conjuga- tor phase shift. These include occurrences of TEM_n0 (n > 0)-like mode structures. A transition to optical chaos through period doubling of N-round trip limit cycles is found in conditions which are similar to the chaotic pulsations in a phase-conjugate cavity, observed by Valley and Dunning.¹ The chaotic transition is shown to be noise-triggered (with S/N > 10⁸).

© 1986 Optical Society of America