Propagation in media with Raman-type nonlinearity Polarization states of the waves and gains

The simultaneous propagation of laser and Raman waves through nonlinear media is theoretically studied using the nonlinear third-order susceptibility tensor formalism. Polarization states and gains with linearly, circularly and elliptically exciting polarizations are calculated. The theoretical expressions are compared with experimental results in the absence of self focusing. The perturbations due to self focusing near the stimulated Raman scattering thresholds are studied and conclusions concerning the anisotropy of the Kerr constant are obtained.