title: Eclipsing Z-scan measurement of lambda/10(4) wave-front distortion.
abstract: We introduce a simple modification to the Z-scan technique that results in a sensitivity enhancement that permits measurement of nonlinearly induced wave-front distortion of =lambda/10(4). This sensitivity was achieved with 10-Hz repetition-rate pulsed laser sources. Sensitivity to nonlinear absorption is also enhanced by a factor of =3. This method permits characterization of nonlinear thin films without the need for waveguiding.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Xia
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Hagan
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sheik-Bahae
authors.forename: E W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Van Stryland