Abstract

We report the first demonstration of self pumped optical phase conjugation in a resonant atomic system. This process was implemented by employing a single continuous wave probe beam and a two-wave interaction as the gain mechanism to form a sodium vapor oscillator. The two wave interaction relies on the interference of the probe beam with the Rayleigh scattered light to form a grating which is phase shifted relative to the optical interference pattern so that part of the probe’s optical field can scatter from it to provide gain in other directions. Mirrors are used as a feedback mechanism to form an oscillator.

© 1988 Optical Society of America