High-sensitivity, single-beam n(2) measurements.
TL;DR: A simple yet highly sensitive single-beam experimental technique for the determination of both the sign and magnitude of n(2), where the sample is moved along the z direction of a focused Gaussian beam while the repetitively pulsed laser energy is held fixed.
Abstract: We present a simple yet highly sensitive single-beam experimental technique for the determination of both the sign and magnitude of n2. The sample is moved along the z direction of a focused Gaussian beam while the repetitively pulsed laser energy is held fixed. The resultant plot of transmittance through an aperture in the far field yields a dispersion-shaped curve from which n2 is easily calculated. A transmittance change of 1% corresponds to a phase distortion of ≃ λ/250. We demonstrate this method on several materials using both CO2 and Nd:YAG laser pulses.
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TL;DR: In this paper, a single-beam technique for measuring both the nonlinear refractive index and nonlinear absorption coefficient for a wide variety of materials is reported, including a comprehensive theoretical analysis.
Abstract: A sensitive single-beam technique for measuring both the nonlinear refractive index and nonlinear absorption coefficient for a wide variety of materials is reported. The authors describe the experimental details and present a comprehensive theoretical analysis including cases where nonlinear refraction is accompanied by nonlinear absorption. In these experiments, the transmittance of a sample is measured through a finite aperture in the far field as the sample is moved along the propagation path (z) of a focused Gaussian beam. The sign and magnitude of the nonlinear refraction are easily deduced from such a transmittance curve (Z-scan). Employing this technique, a sensitivity of better than lambda /300 wavefront distortion is achieved in n/sub 2/ measurements of BaF/sub 2/ using picosecond frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser pulses. >
7,717 citations
Book•
24 Sep 2002Abstract: CRYSTALLINE MATERIALS Introduction Physical Properties Optical Properties Mechanical Properties Thermal Properties Magnetooptic Properties Electrooptic Properties Elastooptic Properties Nonlinear Optical Properties GLASSES Introduction Commercial Optical Glasses Specialty Optical Glasses Fused Silica Fluoride Glasses Chalcogenide Glasses Magnetooptic Properties Electrooptic Properties Elastooptic Properties Nonlinear Optical Properties Special Glasses POLYMERIC MATERIALS Optical Plastics Index of Refraction Nonlinear Optical Properties Thermal Properties Engineering Data METALS Physical Properties of Selected Metals Optical Properties Mechanical Properties Thermal Properties Mirror Substrate Materials LIQUIDS Introduction Water Physical Properties of Selected Liquids Index of Refraction Nonlinear Optical Properties Magnetooptic Properties Commercial Optical Liquids GASES Introduction Physical Properties of Selected Gases Index of Refraction Nonlinear Optical Properties Magnetooptic Properties Atomic Resonance Filters APPENDICES Safe Handling of Optical Materials Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Mineralogical or Common Names for Optical Materials Abbreviations for Methods of Preparing Optical Materials and Thin Films Fundamental Physical Constants Units and Conversion Factors
1,262 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors review nonlinear optical processes in various materials which can be utilized in passive optical limiting devices, including reverse saturable absorption, two-photon and free-carrier absorption, nonlinear refraction and induced scattering.
1,201 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors review various aspects of fabrication, characterization, device implementation and operation of carbon nanotube-polymer composites to be used in photonic applications.
Abstract: Polymer composites are one of the most attractive near-term means to exploit the unique properties of carbon nanotubes and graphene. This is particularly true for composites aimed at electronics and photonics, where a number of promising applications have already been demonstrated. One such example is nanotube-based saturable absorbers. These can be used as all-optical switches, optical amplifier noise suppressors, or mode-lockers to generate ultrashort laser pulses. Here, we review various aspects of fabrication, characterization, device implementation and operation of nanotube-polymer composites to be used in photonic applications. We also summarize recent results on graphene-based saturable absorbers for ultrafast lasers.
959 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a two-hand model is used to calculate the scaling and spectrum of the nonlinear absorption of semiconductors and wide-gap optical solids, and the bound electronic nonlinear refractive index n/sub 2/ is obtained using a Kramers-Kronig transformation.
Abstract: A two-hand model is used to calculate the scaling and spectrum of the nondegenerate nonlinear absorption. From this, the bound electronic nonlinear refractive index n/sub 2/ is obtained using a Kramers-Kronig transformation. The authors include the effects of two-photon and Raman transitions and the AC Stark shift (virtual band blocking). The theoretical calculation for n/sub 2/ shows excellent agreement with measured values for a five-order-of-magnitude variation in the modulus of n/sub 2/ in semiconductors and wide-gap optical solids. Beam distortion methods were used to measure n/sub 2/ in semiconductors. The observations result in a comprehensive theory that allows a prediction of n/sub 2/ at wavelengths beneath the band edge, given only the bandgap energy and the linear index of refraction. Some consequences for all-optical switching are discussed, and a wavelength criterion for the observation of switching is derived. >
956 citations
References
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Book•
01 Jan 1978
TL;DR: This book describes the representation of Physical Quantities by Mathematical Functions and the applications of Linear Filters and Two-Dimensional Convolution and Fourier Transformation.
Abstract: Representation of Physical Quantities by Mathematical Functions. Special Functions. Harmonic Analysis. Mathematical Operators and Physical Systems. Convolution. The Fourier Transform. Characteristics and Applications of Linear Filters. Two-Dimensional Convolution and Fourier Transformation. The Propagation and Diffraction of Optical Wave Fields. Image-Forming Systems. Appendices. Index.
707 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, degenerate four-wave mixing measurements of the nonlinear coefficient of rutile and a number of optical glasses at 1.06 μm were reported and a figure of merit was defined to measure the suitability of a material for nonlinear waveguide switches.
Abstract: In this paper we report degenerate four-wave-mixing measurements of the nonlinear coefficient of rutile and a number of optical glasses at 1.06 μm. We define a figure of merit which measures the suitability of a material for nonlinear waveguide switches and show that the best glasses have figures of merit substantially higher than any other material. We include a brief discussion of the types of switching elements that could be made with these materials.
380 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a linear system, Fourier transform and Optica Acta: International Journal of Optics: Vol. 26, No. 7, pp. 836-836.
Abstract: (1979). Linear Systems, Fourier Transforms and Optics. Optica Acta: International Journal of Optics: Vol. 26, No. 7, pp. 836-836.
332 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the nonlinear refractive index of transparent materials is measured relative to that of a standard with a known index, and the relationship between the observed nonlinear index and the structure and composition of the glasses is discussed.
Abstract: We have developed a rapid and accurate method for measuring the nonlinear refractive index of transparent materials. It is based on a version of three-wave mixing in which the frequencies of the two input beams are adjusted to differ by about 60 cm−1. The nonlinear index of a material is measured relative to that of a standard with a known index. Our measurements of 27 glasses are in good agreement with previous results, where available, and with the n2 values calculated empirically from linear index parameters. We also discuss the relationship between the observed nonlinear index and the structure and composition of the glasses.
255 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a detailed discussion of the origin and spatial anisotropy of refractive-index nonlinearities is presented, and methods for measuring the nonlinear refractive index coefficient are reviewed.
Abstract: The propagation of intense optical beams through dielectric media induces changes in the refractive index which cause self-focusing and beam breakup in high-power laser systems. After a brief discussion of the origin and spatial anisotropy of refractive-index nonlinearities, methods for measuring the nonlinear refractive index coefficient are reviewed. The use of time-resolved interferometry is described in detail. Nonlinear indices for optical glasses and crystals measured at 1064 nm by this technique are tabulated. From these data, an empirical expression is given which, using the linear refractive index and partial dispersion, provides a good estimate of the nonlinear index of optical materials in the long-wavelength limit.
229 citations