Wavefront reversal by light-induced shaping of the surface of an absorbing material

Wavefront reversal of He–Ne laser radiation was achieved by light-induced modulation of the shape of a reflecting surface during thermal expansion of a strongly absorbing viscous liquid. Theoretical and experimental investigations were made of the energy efficiency and dynamics of the process. Estimates were obtained of the feasibility of a thermal mechanism of recording dynamic surface holograms using pulsed lasers.