The dependence of optical four-wave-mixing (FWM) signals in semiconductors on carrier density and laser-field polarization is investigated. The theoretical and experimental analysis reveals the importance of the excitation-induced dephasing processes for the understanding of numerous published results on polarization selections rules in FWM signals. Even apparently contradictory earlier findings can be explained with this theoretical model.

• Received 28 February 1994

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.49.14382