DEGENERATE 4-WAVE-MIXING IN 2-LEVEL SATURABLE ABSORBERS

A calculation of degenerate four-wave mixing in a homogeneously broade ned two-level saturable absorber is presented. An analytical formula f or the local electric dipole polarization responsible for degenerate f our-wave mixing is derived for arbitrary electric-field strengths. The overall efficiency of the medium is calculated by numerically solving the coupled wave equations with the use of the phase-matching electri c dipole polarization. Solutions are presented when the laser is tuned on and off resonance for various input laser intensities and linear a bsorption coefficients. Optimal conditions for maximum efficiency are discussed. (C) 1996 Optical Society of America.