Abstract

A colliding-pulse mode-locked ring dye laser pumped "all lines" by a Spectra-Physics Model 2020 argon ion laser produces 70 fs pulses at a repetition rate of 70 MHz. A four stage Nd:YAG-pumped dye amplifier yields subpicosecond pulses at 628 nm with a repetition rate of 10 Hz at an energy of 1.2 mJ. Frequency doubling to 314 nm provides photolysis pulses, while continuum generation by self-phase modulation offers probe wavelengths for transient spectroscopy throughout the visible. Detection of transient spectra in a double beam arrangement is accomplished with a small monochromator and a PARCO OMA II intensified vidicon.

© 1986 Optical Society of America