Reflection-grating self-pumped phase conjugation with optical feedback free of input conditions

A reflection-grating self-pumped phase-conjugate mirror is demonstrated with a photorefractive KNbO(3) crystal in a novel ring configuration. The feedback beam in the ring configuration is made to track the input probe beam automatically so that the phase conjugation is sustained without readjustment of the optical feedback loop when the angle or the position of the input probe beam is changed. The tracking feedback is realized by means of a simple three-lens erect imaging system. The angular and the positional acceptances for a tightly focused input beam of 50-µm diameter are Δθ(x). = 55 mrad, Δθ(y), = 67 mrad, and Δ(x) = 2.1 mm, Δ(y) = 4.2 mm, respectively.