title: Observation of nonlinear optical phenomena in air and fused silica using a 100 GW, 1.54 mum source.
abstract: A 100-GW optical parametric chirped-pulse amplifier system is used to study nonlinear effects in the 1.54 mum regime. When focusing this beam in air, strong third-harmonic generation (THG) is observed, and both the spectra and efficiency are measured. Broadening is observed on only the blue side of the third-harmonic signal and an energy conversion efficiency of 0.2% is achieved. When propagated through a 10-cm block of fused silica, a collimated beam is seen to collapse and form multiple filaments. The measured spectral features span 400-2100 nm. The spectrum is dominated by previously unobserved Stokes emissions and broad emissions in the visible.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Naudeau
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Law
authors.forename: T S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Luk
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Cameron
authors.forename: J V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Rudd