Reflection efficiency in a wavefront reversal system using four-wave interaction with a passive optical polarization isolator at 10.6μ

A simple optical polarization isolator (OPI) was developed for wavefront reversal systems operating at 10.6μ. Its decoupling efficiency was up to 16 dB. An experimental investigation was made of the influence of the change in the polarization state of the second reference wave introduced by the OPI on the reflection efficiency under conditions of a four-wave interaction in InAs and SF₆. Partial dispersal of the grating recorded by the signal and opposite reference waves was due to the diffusion of free electrons in InAs.