TRANSIENT PHASE MEASUREMENT USING A SELF-PUMPED PHASE-CONJUGATE MIRROR AS AN OPTICAL-NOVELTY FILTER

A transient phase-measuring technique that uses a self-pumped phase-co njugate mirror as an optical novelty filter is presented. A change in the reflectivity of the mirror as a function of a change in the incide nt wave front permits the transient measurement of a two-dimensional p hase distribution. This method allows us to investigate fast processes using media with slow response. A simple theoretical model explains t he experimental results with sufficient accuracy. The results can be u sed for the calibration of the measuring system. The described method is used for the measurement of a temporally varying wave front. (C) 19 97 Optical Society of America.