Degenerate two-wave mixing via a dynamic grating in Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} 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 Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles may reach {approx}10 cm{sup -1}. (nonlinear optical phenomena)