Analysis of a high-resolution and large-dynamic-range spatial filter using a pair of facing phase conjugators with gains

Abstract

We propose and analyze a complex-amplitude spatial filter consisting of a pair of facing phase conjugators with gains that have the special features of a large dynamic range and a high spatial resolution. We show analytically that the high resolution is maintained even if the imaging lenses inserted have large aberrations. The large-dynamicrange characteristics are evaluated numerically, taking into account the intensity-dependent nonlinear reflectivity of the phase conjugators, showing that the maximum intensity of the input wave allowed decreases with the increasing dynamic range required. Some consideration is also given to the design of the spatial filter.