Improvement of the efficiency of laser-induced dynamic gratings in a Kerr medium by a spatial soliton

TLDR: In this article, transient gratings induced in a homogeneous Kerr nonlinear medium by soliton beams are used to obtain a diffraction efficiency of 70% using carbon disulphide.

Abstract: The authors report experimental results on transient gratings induced in a homogeneous Kerr nonlinear medium by soliton beams. These stable self-trapped waves of high intensity are not subject to the usual problem of beam filamentation and permit refractive index gratings of high modulation, significant length, and hence high efficiencies. Moreover the probe beam is also trapped in the soliton induced waveguide which enhances its overlap with the grating. By this method a diffraction efficiency of 70% has been experimentally obtained, using carbon disulphide for the nonlinear medium. Efficient ultrafast all-optical deflection of light has been demonstrated with this material.