SEDL / STP / STP911-EB / STP29007S

Simple Direct Measurements of n²

Williams, WE
North Texas State University, Denton, Texas

Soileau, MJ
North Texas State University, Denton, Texas

Van Stryland, EW
North Texas State University, Denton, Texas

Pages: 10    Published: Jan 1985

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Abstract

A simple direct method for measurements of n² is described. The method involves measurements of beam distortions in the transmitted, time-integrated spatial profile using an optical multichannel analyzer. A model is described which allows extraction of n² from fits of experiment to computer generated theoretical spatial profiles. The results for picosecond pulses at 1.06 μm and 0.53 μm are presented for three materials: fused quartz, NaCl, and CS². Little dispersion in n² is seen for each material over the wavelength range studied.