Abstract

The nonlinear refractive index n₂ is an important parameter for use in the design of high-power laser systems, such as the large systems employed in laser fusion research and ultrashort-pulse lasers used in a large variety of laboratory experiments. Empirical relationships have been developed for predicting n₂ for low index of refraction optical materials.¹ These models predict the dependence of n₂ (for a given frequency) on material parameters and on laser frequency (for a given material). The relationships have proved useful in providing guidance for the development of low n₂ materials. However, the dispersion in n₂ predicted has not been experimentally verified due to the difficulty of making accurate measurements of n₂ as a function of wavelength. We report the results of measurements (Table I) of the dispersion in n₂ for a variety of optical materials including BK7 and fused silica.

© 1984 Optical Society of America