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Nonlinear spatial dynamics of double phase conjugation in photorefractive crystals and holographic dynamics of photopolymerization

Citation

Engin, Doruk (1998) Nonlinear spatial dynamics of double phase conjugation in photorefractive crystals and holographic dynamics of photopolymerization. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/78gp-sz41. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-01232008-110449

Abstract

This thesis explores spatial nonlinear optical effects in photorefractive crystals and photopolymers. In these materials upon exposure with spatially varying light, large refractive index changes occur. In the first part of the thesis Double Phase Conjugation in photorefractive crystals is studied both theoretically and experimentally. Various processes effecting the conjugation fidelity, such as fanning are quantified through a coupled multiple mode model which is an extension of the coupled mode theory. Predictions of the model such as phase conjugation is confirmed experimentally. Critical slowing down near the threshold is also predicted and experimentally confirmed. Lastly the amplitude equation formalism is carried out for the wave mixing phenomenon. This approach unifies the optical phenomenon with a large class of other physical phenomena referred to as pattern formation outside of equilibrium. Through this formalism the instability is identified as a convective instability and the possibility of a transition to absolute instability is studied.

In the second part of the thesis, photopolymerization dynamics is studied with holography. A theoretical model is developed for the holographic configuration starting from a standard chain polymerization model. A holographic characterization method is developed. The method is especially powerful in measuring diffusion constants. Various multifunctional polymers is characterized using the novel technique.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Applied Physics
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Yariv, Amnon (advisor)
  • Cross, Michael Clifford (co-advisor)
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:20 June 1997
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-01232008-110449
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-01232008-110449
DOI:10.7907/78gp-sz41
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:303
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:15 Feb 2008
Last Modified:16 Apr 2021 22:29

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