Degenerate two-wave mixing via a dynamic grating in Fe3O4 nanoparticle suspensions

Optical-gradient-force-induced spatially inhomogeneous disturbances of the dielectric permittivity of a suspension of spherical nanoparticles are analysed in the Maxwell Garnett approximation. Degenerate two-wave mixing in such media is shown to cause the formation of a spatial nanoparticle grating and the associated permittivity grating in the colloid. Relations are derived for the complex coupling constant of the waves. Codirectional and contradirectional two-wave mixing in suspensions of light-absorbing nanoparticles is considered. The two-beam coupling gain at 640 nm in various suspensions of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles may reach ~10 cm^-1.