Simultaneous phase-sensitive parametric amplification and up-conversion of an optical image

We develop for the first time a quantum theory of simultaneous amplification and frequency up-conversion of optical images in two coupled three-wave processes. The theory developed takes into account the diffraction effect and the difference of the group velocities of the interacting waves. Due to the degenerate parametric process involved in the nonlinear optical interactions, the up-conversion also possesses phase sensitivity. As a result, the statistical characteristics of the amplified image and the converted one depend on the phase relation between the signal and the pump waves. It is shown that at the output of the nonlinear crystal the signal-to-noise ratios for the amplified image and the converted one may be same as those for the initial image, i.e. transformation of the optical image may be 'noiseless'.