Abstract

Self-pumped phase conjugation using a nonlinear material in a self-intersecting loop geometry is particularly attractive for its simplicity and efficiency. Loop systems based on photorefractive media¹ and Brillouin-active media² have been most extensively investigated. A few investigations have also been made of gainmedia in loop geometries,^3-5 although several issues relating to conjugation fidelity and the implementation of this device as a practical laser source have not been fully addressed. We present the results of investigation of the spatial, temporal, and energy characteristics of the solid-state gain medium Nd:YAG in a loop configuration. The gain loop conjugator can also be considered as an adaptive laser resonator with oscillation from a volume gain-grating (gain hologram).

© 1994 IEEE