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

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE

Noise in nonlinear optics

Robert M. McGraw, Daniel N. Rogovin

Published May 1, 1990• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

This paper examines thermal (light-scattering) fluctuations as a dominant noise source in nonlinear optical processes. Fundamental limits to conjugate wave fidelity and signal power requirement are obtained through the statistical thermodynamic treatment of light-scattering noise in four-wave mixing based on the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. Several types of nonlinear media are examined including artificial Kerr suspensions, isotropic Kerr media, and fluids near a critical point. Where measurements are available, excellent quantitative agreement is obtained between theory and experiment.

DOI
10.1117/12.18312

Related papers

Stochastic models for light-scattering noise in nonlinear optical Kerr media

Robert M. McGraw

Thermal light-scattering fluctuations are examined as a fundamental noise source inherent in nonlinear optical processes involving Kerr and artificial Kerr media. Stochastic models are introduced to simulate noise in optical phase conjugation via degenerate four-wave mixing, and in signal amplification via nondegenerate two-wave-mixing processes. Significant noise fluctuations in the amplitude and phase components of the processed signals are shown to occur even with incident signal powers in the milliwatt range. For time-dependent processes, including nondegenerate two-wave mixing, the fluctuation-dissipation theorem is shown to generalize a previously derived static susceptibility relation between light-scattering and nonlinear optical response to media exhibiting both power dissipation and nonlocal interaction.

Physical Review A•Mar 1, 1992•3 citations

Stochastic simulations of light-scattering noise in two-wave mixing: application to artificial Kerr media

Robert McGraw

This paper presents an examination of power dissipation in a nonlinear optical medium during the coherent transfer of energy from a pump to a signal beam, and quantitatively relates this dissipation (through the fluctuation-dissipation theorem) to the spectrum of thermal fluctuations that give rise to light-scattering noise. Calculations are presented for two-wave mixing in an artificial Kerr media using a powerful stochastic model for computer simulation of amplitude, phase, and intensity fluctuations due to light-scattering noise.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Jun 1, 1991•0 citations

Four-wave mixing and thermal noise

Robert M. McGraw, Daniel N. Rogovin

In this paper, we present a statistical thermodynamic analysis of thermal noise in four‐wave mixing. For degenerate four‐wave mixing, we obtain a static susceptibility relation between the Kerr coefficient ε2 (related to the signal strength) and light scattering thermal fluctuations (related to the noise). The signal‐to‐noise power ratio (SNR) is given in the weak coupling limit.

AIP conference proceedings•Jan 1, 1988•0 citations

Light-scattering limitations for phase conjugation in optical Kerr media

Robert M. McGraw, Daniel N. Rogovin, A. Gavrielides

It is shown that noise from light-scattering fluctuations inherent in an optical Kerr medium sets a lower limit on the incident probe power required to achieve meaningful phase conjugation by four-wave mixing. For visible wavelengths and room temperatures, we determine that about 10 μW of probe power is needed to obtain a signal-to-noise ratio of unity in the conjugate wave for reflectivities that are less than or near the first oscillation condition.

Applied Physics Letters•Jan 16, 1989•18 citations

Measurements of light-intensity noise during nondegenerate two-wave mixing in a Kerr medium

R. Pizzoferrato, E. Pichini, Marco Marinelli +3 more

Measurements of light-intensity fluctuations have been carried out during cw nondegenerate two-wave mixing at visible wavelengths in an artificial Kerr medium. Taking advantage of the distinctive properties of artificial Kerr media, such as the high nonlinear efficiency and slow response, the zero-average component of optical noise has been revealed and completely characterized with regard to statistical and spectral features. Experimental results are discussed in the frame of a stochastic noise model including thermal fluctuations in the linear dielectric constant of the medium.

Physical Review A•Mar 1, 1994•1 citation

Measurements of light-scattering noise accompanying two-wave mixing in a Kerr medium

R. Pizzoferrato, U. Zammit, Marco Marinelli +2 more

We report measurements of noise accompanying two-wave mixing in a Kerr medium. Experiments were conducted at visible wavelengths using an aqueous suspension of shaped microparticles as the nonlinear medium. Theoretical calculations and computer simulations using a stochastic model for light-scattering noise are shown to give excellent agreement with the experimental results.

Physical Review A•Apr 1, 1993•1 citation
This paper examines thermal (light-scattering) fluctuations as a dominant noise source in nonlinear optical processes. Fundamental limits to conjugate wave fidelity and signal power requirement are obtained through the statistical thermodynamic treatment of light-scattering noise in four-wave mixing based on the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. Several types of nonlinear media are examined including artificial Kerr suspensions, isotropic Kerr media, and fluids near a critical point. Where measurements are available, excellent quantitative agreement is obtained between theory and experiment.
Thermal light-scattering fluctuations are examined as a fundamental noise source inherent in nonlinear optical processes involving Kerr and artificial Kerr media. Stochastic models are introduced to simulate noise in optical phase conjugation via degenerate four-wave mixing, and in signal amplification via nondegenerate two-wave-mixing processes. Significant noise fluctuations in the amplitude and phase components of the processed signals are shown to occur even with incident signal powers in the milliwatt range. For time-dependent processes, including nondegenerate two-wave mixing, the fluctuation-dissipation theorem is shown to generalize a previously derived static susceptibility relation between light-scattering and nonlinear optical response to media exhibiting both power dissipation and nonlocal interaction.
This paper presents an examination of power dissipation in a nonlinear optical medium during the coherent transfer of energy from a pump to a signal beam, and quantitatively relates this dissipation (through the fluctuation-dissipation theorem) to the spectrum of thermal fluctuations that give rise to light-scattering noise. Calculations are presented for two-wave mixing in an artificial Kerr media using a powerful stochastic model for computer simulation of amplitude, phase, and intensity fluctuations due to light-scattering noise.
Measurements of light-intensity fluctuations have been carried out during cw nondegenerate two-wave mixing at visible wavelengths in an artificial Kerr medium. Taking advantage of the distinctive properties of artificial Kerr media, such as the high nonlinear efficiency and slow response, the zero-average component of optical noise has been revealed and completely characterized with regard to statistical and spectral features. Experimental results are discussed in the frame of a stochastic noise model including thermal fluctuations in the linear dielectric constant of the medium.