Optimization of two-photon-resonant four-wave mixing: application to 1302-nm generation in mercury vapor

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Abstract
A detailed model of two-photon-resonant four-wave mixing that includes the consideration of efficiency-limiting processes is presented. The model provides a generally applicable systematic approach for maximizing conversion efficiencies for both exact and near two-photon resonance. For exact two-photon resonance, an interference effect limits efficiency to a value determined by ratios of nonlinear susceptibilities and input intensities. For near two-photon resonance, nonlinear refractive indices limit efficiencies unless input intensities are properly balanced. For the specific case of 130.2-nm generation in Hg, we examine a number of potential additional efficiency-limiting processes, including amplified spontaneous emission, stimulated Raman and hyper-Raman gain, parametric gain, linear absorption, and population transfer. We include isotopic effects and Gaussian-profile beams. From our analysis, we conclude that efficiencies of approximately 10% should be feasible by using collimated light beams in an energy-scalable system.