Four-wave mixing

1
Four-wave mixing
Four-wave mixing is an intermodulation phenomenon in non-linear optics, whereby interactions between two
wavelengths produce two extra wavelengths in the signal. It is similar to the third-order intercept point in electrical
systems. Four-wave mixing can be compared to the intermodulation distortion in standard electrical systems.
Mechanism
When three wavelengths (
1
,
2
, and
3
) interact in a nonlinear medium, they give rise to a fourth wavelength (
4
)
which is formed by the scattering of the incident photons, producing the fourth photon. It is easier to illustrate this if
we use frequency instead of wavelength.
Given inputs f
1
, f
2
, and f
3
, the nonlinear system will produce
with the most damaging signals to system performance calculated as
since these frequencies will lie close to one of the incoming frequencies.
From calculations with the three input signals, it is found that 12 interfering frequencies are produced, three of which
lie on one of original incoming frequencies.
Degenerate four-wave mixing
Four-wave mixing (FWM) is also present if only three components interact. In this case the term
couples three components, thus generating so-called degenerate four-wave mixing, showing identical properties as
in case of four interacting waves.
FWM is a fiber-optic characteristic that affects wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) systems, where multiple
optical wavelengths are spaced at equal intervals or channel spacing. The effects of FWM are pronounced with
decreased channel spacing of wavelengths and at high signal power levels. High chromatic dispersion decreases
FWM effects, as the signals lose coherence. The interference FWM causes in WDM systems is known as
interchannel crosstalk. FWM can be mitigated by using uneven channel spacing or fiber that increases dispersion.
External links
Encyclopedia of Laser Physics and Technology
[1]
References
[1] http:/ / www. rp-photonics.com/ four_wave_mixing.html
Article Sources and Contributors
2
Article Sources and Contributors
Four-wave mixing Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=552263679 Contributors: Aleas, Alvo, Asmala, Bhamer, Blinking Spirit, Cmdrjameson, Dpotter, Fishbonev, G-W,
Gmoose1, Little Savage, LokiClock, Matthew Rollings, Mfrosz, Omegatron, TheParanoidOne, 15 anonymous edits
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