Nonlinear optical phenomena in a multiple interferometer

Abstract

A multiple interferometer is proposed and stimulated Raman radiation, stimulated Mandel’stam–Brillouin radiation, and Cerenkov-type optical parametric oscillation are considered in this interferometer, which is excited by an external light beam. An extremely low threshold intensity of the exciting beam is noted. Optical bistability and hysteresis, self-pulsing of the radiation intensities, amplification of amplitude-phase deviations in the incident pumping beam, limitation of the intensity of the beam transmitted by the interferometer, and nonlinear reflection of the beam from the multiple interferometer are predicted and discussed. It is also noted that the threshold for generation of the second Stokes component of stimulated Raman radiation and stimulated Mandel’stam–Brillouin radiation under the conditions discussed is usually not achieved, even for high excess of the exciting beam intensity over the threshold for generation of the first Stokes component.