Abstract

We propose and analyze a nonlinear optical system that uses the combined effects of Kerr-like nonlinearity, interference, and diffraction in a two-dimensional optical feedback loop. By variation of the phase shift between interfering waves it is possible to control the quadratic nonlinear terms responsible for roll and hexagon pattern formation, giving three possible steady solutions: rolls and normal and inverted hexagons. Results of nonlinear analyses and numerical simulations are presented.

© 1995 Optical Society of America

Spatial filtering in nonlinear two-dimensional feedback systems: phase-distortion suppression

E. V. Degtiarev and M. A. Vorontsov
J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 12(7) 1238-1248 (1995)

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