Abstract

Degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM) is a simple method to achieve phase conjugation. It uses the third-order nonlinearity of the electric susceptibility to produce changes in the optical properties of materials. A dynamic grating is then induced. Such gratings might be used as fast optical memories in optical computing. Our aim is to find media with large nonlinear susceptibilities and fast response time. We report phase conjugation of 532-nm laser radiation by DFWM in dye solutions. The time dependence of the conjugated wave is investigated experimentally and compared to theoretical predictions. We have also studied the influence of the solvents, dye concentration, and pump intensity on the phase conjugated signal. The results are compared with those predicted by three nonlinear mechanisms. Thermally induced refractive-index changes, Kerr effect, and saturable absorption are considered.

© 1987 Optical Society of America