Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Applied Physics Letters

Phase matching of two-photon resonant 4-wave mixing processes in alkali metal vapors

Gary C. Bjorklund, John E. Bjorkholm, P. F. Liao, R. H. Storz

Published Dec 1, 1976• 35 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Many classes of two-photon resonant 4-wave mixing processes in alkali metal vapors are shown to be phase matchable by adjusting the frequencies of the fundamental waves. Essentially perfect phase matching of one such process in Na vapor is demonstrated experimentally and shown for plane waves to be insensitive to variations in spatial distribution of the nonlinear medium.

DOI
10.1063/1.88919

Related papers

Phase matching of two-photon resonant 4-wave mixing processes in alkali metal vapors (A)

Gary C. Bjorklund, John E. Bjorkholm, P. F. Liao +1 more

Journal of the Optical Society of America A•Jan 1, 1977•0 citations

Phase matching alters spatial multiphoton processes in dense atomic ensembles

Adam Leszczyński, Michal P. Parniak, Wojciech Wasilewski

Multiphoton processes in dense atomic vapors such as four-wave mixing or coherent blue light generation are typically viewed from single-atom perspective. Here we study the surprisingly important effect of phase matching near two-photon resonances that arises due to spatial extent of the atomic medium within which the multiphoton process occurs. The non-unit refractive index of the atomic vapor may inhibit generation of light in nonlinear processes, significantly shift the efficiency maxima in frequencies and redirect emitted beam. We present these effects on an example of four-wave mixing in dense rubidium vapors in a double-ladder configuration. By deriving a simple theory that takes into account essential spatial properties of the process, we give precise predictions and confirm their validity in the experiment. The model allows us to improve on the geometry of the experiment and engineer more efficient four-wave mixing.

arXiv:1611.02158•Optics Express•Jan 4, 2017•11 citations

Axially Phase-Matched Six-Wave Mixing Emissions in Alkali Metal Vapors

Wei‐Tzou Luh

Using the standard formulas of parametric wave-mixing theory, axially phase-matched six-wave mixing emissions in some pure alkali metal vapors and binary mixed vapors have been predicted. It is demonstrated that the wave-mixing emission frequencies in a particular metal vapor can be significantly shifted by the presence of another alkali metal element, the one right below (or above) it in the periodic table.

Chinese Journal of Physics•Apr 1, 1990•2 citations

Axial and conical parametric four-wave mixing in pure Na vapor

Mary Anne Moore, W. R. Garrett, Marvin G. Payne

Typical parametric four-wave mixing (PFWM) processes are well documented in Na vapors.1 These processes in general involve emissions that are nonresonant in nature and must satisfy the phase matching conditions (Δk = 0, where Δk is the phase mismatch between the laser and generated photons) by adjusting the angles of the k vectors of the generated waves. This results in the production of conically emitted light about the axis of the pump laser and only in the direction of the laser photons.

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics•Apr 25, 1988•1 citation

Generation of axially phase-matched parametric four-wave and six-wave mixing in pure sodium vapor

Mary Anne Moore, W. R. Garrett, M. G. Payne

Axially propagating phase-matched parametric four-wave and six-wave mixing in pure sodium vapor is an easily documented process that may be confused with other resonant processes such as amplified spontaneous emission or stimulated hyper-Raman emission. We demonstrate and characterize the process in sodium vapor under near-resonant two-photon excitations.

Physical Review A•Apr 1, 1989•38 citations

DESTRUCTIVE INTERFERENCE BETWEEN PARAMETRIC FOUR-WAVE MIXING AND THREE-PHOTON SCATTERING

Yaakov Shevy, M. Rosenbluh

The propagation of a nearly resonant strong laser in Na vapor results in a number of non-linear optical processes such as parametric four-wave mixing (FWM), three-photon scattering (TPS), and Raman scattering.1 The Raman and TPS processes involve the emission of radiation at specific and unique frequencies determined by the detuning of the laser from the atomic resonance, δ, and the Rabi frequency, Ω. Parametric FWM, however, need only satisfy the condition that 2ωL = ω3+ ω4, and can occur over a broad range of frequencies. The frequency range is restricted only by the available gain for the FWM process. The gain depends strongly on the possibility of phase matching at the given frequencies involved in the interaction, as well as on nearly all of the experimental parameters such as relaxation rates (collisional and otherwise), Rabi frequencies, laser detuning, the length of the Na interaction region and the Na vapor pressure.

•Jul 18, 1988•0 citations
Many classes of two-photon resonant 4-wave mixing processes in alkali metal vapors are shown to be phase matchable by adjusting the frequencies of the fundamental waves. Essentially perfect phase matching of one such process in Na vapor is demonstrated experimentally and shown for plane waves to be insensitive to variations in spatial distribution of the nonlinear medium.
Multiphoton processes in dense atomic vapors such as four-wave mixing or coherent blue light generation are typically viewed from single-atom perspective. Here we study the surprisingly important effect of phase matching near two-photon resonances that arises due to spatial extent of the atomic medium within which the multiphoton process occurs. The non-unit refractive index of the atomic vapor may inhibit generation of light in nonlinear processes, significantly shift the efficiency maxima in frequencies and redirect emitted beam. We present these effects on an example of four-wave mixing in dense rubidium vapors in a double-ladder configuration. By deriving a simple theory that takes into account essential spatial properties of the process, we give precise predictions and confirm their validity in the experiment. The model allows us to improve on the geometry of the experiment and engineer more efficient four-wave mixing.
The propagation of a nearly resonant strong laser in Na vapor results in a number of non-linear optical processes such as parametric four-wave mixing (FWM), three-photon scattering (TPS), and Raman scattering.1 The Raman and TPS processes involve the emission of radiation at specific and unique frequencies determined by the detuning of the laser from the atomic resonance, δ, and the Rabi frequency, Ω. Parametric FWM, however, need only satisfy the condition that 2ωL = ω3+ ω4, and can occur over a broad range of frequencies. The frequency range is restricted only by the available gain for the FWM process. The gain depends strongly on the possibility of phase matching at the given frequencies involved in the interaction, as well as on nearly all of the experimental parameters such as relaxation rates (collisional and otherwise), Rabi frequencies, laser detuning, the length of the Na interaction region and the Na vapor pressure.