Transverse effects in double phase conjugation

Abstract Spatial and dynamical effects in double phase conjugate mirrors are investigated analytically and numerically. A variety of spatial and temporal effects are observed, such as beam-bending, self-defocusing, mode oscillations and irregular pattern formation. We conclude that in more than one spatial dimension the double phase conjugate mirror is a convective oscillator. For strong beam couplings and strong diffraction we find that the oscillation threshold is not well defined, and that the double phase conjugate mirror becomes unstable. An improved agreement with experimental results is obtained.