Femtosecond Z-Scan Spectrometer
Background
The Femtosecond Z-Scan Spectrometer is used to measure extremely fast non-linear absorption and non-linear refraction. This provides are quick way of the electro-optic coefficient and Kerr non-linearity.
Significance
The z-scan is based on the self-focusing effect. The index of refraction of a third order material changes as the intensity of the beam changes. As a sample through a focused beam the intensity of incident light increases to a point where the sample changes its index of refraction and alters the focus of the light which can be detected as a change in intensity of light passing through an aperature.
Operation
External Links
wikipedia:Z-scan technique Encyclopedia of Laser Physics and Technology