Abstract

A saturable absorber (SF₆) is irradiated by a step of radiation from a CO₂ laser, and the step response of the medium is observed. Since the characteristic times of rotational, vibrational, and thermal excitation are different, it is possible to observe each process separately. A set of rate equations is developed for a simplified model of two energy levels. This set includes only one differential equation and qualitatively describes the effects of rotational hole burning and vibrational relaxation. Heat effects are accounted for separately.

© 1977 Optical Society of America

Nonlinear absorption of SF₆ at high infrared intensities and high pressures

Yoram J. Kaufman, Shlomo Ruschin, and Uri P. Oppenheim
Appl. Opt. 16(5) 1187-1191 (1977)

Passive Q-switching of a CO₂ laser by CH₃F: an analysis

Adam D. Devir and Uri P. Oppenheim
Appl. Opt. 16(10) 2757-2763 (1977)

Modulated transmission spectroscopy of gaseous chemi-excited Ca and Sr monoxides

D. J. Benard, W. D. Slafer, P. J. Love, and P. H. Lee
Appl. Opt. 16(8) 2108-2115 (1977)

Improved detection of ultraviolet radiation with gas-filled phototubes through photoionization of excited atoms

N. S. Kopeika, R. Gellman, and A. P. Kushelevsky
Appl. Opt. 16(9) 2470-2476 (1977)

Pressure Dependence of Resonance Fluorescence Lifetimes in SF₆ and SF₆–Air Mixtures

M. Garbuny and J. D. Feichtner
Appl. Opt. 11(5) 1019-1024 (1972)