Abstract

Using a dynamic model that includes both pump depletion and diffraction effects, we investigate the statistics of Stokes emission in stimulated Raman scattering. The amplified fluctuations display specific features that can be quantified through statistical analysis. The phase wave fluctuations¹ are responsible for soliton formation, which is manifest through pump repletion; diffraction effects change the qualitative behavior of the soliton and we found that gain-focusing during propagation² is important. The probability of pump repletion as well as its height is affected by the interplay between phase wave initiation and diffractive coupling. The stokes pulse energy statistics have also been determined. The Stokes energy distribution is a sensitive function of the diffractive coupling. The nonlinear regime is characterized by small energy fluctuations; in general, the energy distribution is narrowed by the loss of spatial coherence when the diffractive coupling is weakened. The beam profiles are also affected by the interplay of fluctuations and diffraction and the Stokes emission maximum occurs off-axis, i.e., beam pointing fluctuations.

© 1991 Optical Society of America