Abstract

Continuous-wave self-deflection of an asymmetrical laser beam, with a deflection angle up to eight diffraction widths, and strong attenuation of the on-axis radiation were achieved in a short sodium-vapor cell. We determined that the nonlinear refractive index Δn varied almost linearly with intensity I, Δn ≈ n₂I, with n₂ ~ −10⁻⁷ cm²/W at ~200°C and intensities less than 220 W/cm².

© 1988 Optical Society of America

Continuous-wave self-deflection effect in sodium vapor

G. A. Swartzlander, H. Yin, and A. E. Kaplan
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