Vector self-diffraction of light waves in cadmium sulfide crystals

Vector self-diffraction of light waves by polarization holograms was observed for the first time experimentally in CdS semiconductor crystals. These holograms were formed using the anisotropy of the fifth-order nonlinear susceptibility χ⁽⁵⁾ related to the anisotropy of the two-photon absorption coefficient in the region of resonant contribution of the exciton states. The experimental results were interpreted allowing for the anisotropy of two-photon absorption.