Abstract

We present a novel method for the study of multiphoton excitation by intense picosecond pulses in vapors. The technique, based on interferometric cross correlations of the multiphoton stimulated reradiation with the pulse itself, requires an interferometric delay line to generate accurately phased pulse sequences. Experimental data obtained with our method for two photon coherent propagation in lithium vapor, are in excellent agreement with a theoretical model.

© 1984 Optical Society of America