On the generation of picosecond light continua depending on various nonlinear processes

The generation of picosecond light continua depends on various nonlinear processes such as parametric four-photon interaction, self-phase modulation, self-focusing, and avalanche ionization. In order to systematize the influence of these processes we have indicated both the threshold for continuum generation measured by various authors and the threshold for the nonlinear processes in a power diameter diagram characterizing the laser beam. The result is that all the thresholds for continuum measured under very different experimental conditions are situated nearly on one curve given by the nonlinear process with the lowest threshold. We have carried out measurements on the spectral energy distribution and on the angular distribution of the continuum generated in water and alkali halides by a mode-locked single-pulse Nd-glass laser. Under our experimental conditions both self-phase modulation and parametric four-photon interaction contribute to continuum generation.

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