Theoretical and experimental study on image reconstruction by stimulated backscattering

Abstract

Image reconstruction by stimulated backscattering is discussed systematically, theoretically, and experimentally in this paper. The theoretical basis of the real-time holographic model given by Ferrier et al. was discussed by means of four-wave mixing theory. A concept involving a three-step process for image reconstruction was developed. Computer analysis shows that as the object distance increases, the accuracy of Rivoire's equation decreases. Theoretical analysis shows the following: (1) The stationary equation does not have an exact solution but only one approximate solution, condition (B), when the second order terms are included. This implies that perfect reconstructed images can not be obtained. (2) A real-time holographic process is generated in the region where Rivoire's equation diverges. (3) Magnification of the reconstructed image is a constant unity which implies that reconstructed image is a copy of the original object. The experimental magnification is greater than one because the output wave is not completely conjugated. These theoretical results are supported by the experimental results.