Nonlinear diffraction due to the transient polarization in a thin film of atomic gases*

Nonlinear optical response of a thin layer of rarefied atomic vapor is examined by taking into account the atomic motion as well as collisions with the cell walls. Extraordinary pattern of self-diffraction spectrum due to the transient polarization is predicted. It is shown that the spectra are Doppler free and depend strongly upon the vapor thickness. A new possibility of signal enhancement is revealed and a simple device is suggested to enhance greatly the nonlinear reflection signal from a resonant vapor layer. Received: 3 July 1997/Accepted: 5 December 1997