Abstract

We have measured the nonlinear optical refractive index for various ocular components with ultrashort laser pulses by using the z-scan technique¹ to assess the extent of self-focusing in the eye. The sign and magnitude of the nonlinear optical refractive indices are measured for these materials along with water and physiological saline. Carbon disulfide is used as a standard for measurement since the spatial profile of our beam is non-Gaussian, as was required for previous z-scan analysis. We tabulate the nonlinear constants measured and discuss the implications for ultrashort-laser-pulse propagation and ensuing damage in ocular materials.

© 1992 Optical Society of America