Use of degenerate parametric processes for wavefront correction (review)

A review is given of results obtained by the present authors in investigations of wavefront reversal in degenerate parametric processes. An analysis is made of the problem of transmission of signal radiation along an optically inhomogeneous path. A model of a system to compensate for phase distortions using wavefront reversal in parametric processes is developed. The mathematical device of the spread function is used to determine the limiting capabilities of the method. It is found that satisfactory compensation for distortions is achieved when a parametric radiation converter resolves the effective scale of the inhomogeneities. The possibilities for implementing these systems in practice are discussed.