The Finite-conjugate Self-imaging and the Generalized Lau Effect Due to Complex Gratings

Abstract

Laser induced gratings in nonlinear optical media, which are complex or phase gratings, are the key structures in many applications involving laser beam-nonlinear material interactions. The concept of coded imaging of self-imaging structures, developed elsewhere, has been utilized to make a comprehensive study of the self-imaging properties, at finite conjugates, of model complex or phase gratings. The same approach has been used to extend our previous work on the generalized Lau effect. An interesting application of the self-imaging process has been made to visualize, at a certain primary magnification, laser induced thin photorefractive grating in a BSO crystal. Possible applications of this technique include visualization of dynamic or developed laser induced gratings in thin nonlinear optical materials.