title: High-sensitivity, single-beam n(2) measurements.
abstract: We present a simple yet highly sensitive single-beam experimental technique for the determination of both the sign and magnitude of n(2). 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 n(2) is easily calculated. A transmittance change of 1% corresponds to a phase distortion of approximately lambda/250. We demonstrate this method on several materials using both CO(2) and Nd:YAG laser pulses.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sheik-Bahae
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Said
authors.forename: E W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Van Stryland