SBS at different wavelengths between 308 and 725 nm

Abstract Stimulated Brillouin backs0cattering (SBS) in liquid n-hexane and gaseous sulphur hexafluoride (SF 6 ) has been compared for different wavelengths covering the visible spectral range. The SBS threshold energy increases linearly with incident wavelength in the liquid. In the gas this wavelength dependence is more pronounced. These results, measured using a pulsed dye laser, are explained by different sound wave damping. In addition, the beam quality of the laser radiation has a strong influence on the SBS reflectivity.