Abstract

Spontaneous hexagon formation has been observed when two counterpropagating laser beams interact in sodium vapor [1] and carbon disulfide [2]. Here we report on investigations into the nature, stability and range of patterns in such systems. We model an anti-reflected slab of either a Kerr or Brillouin-active medium irradiated on each side by smooth constant input fields. These may be Gaussian beams [3] or plane-waves.

© 1992 Optical Society of America