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Four-wave sum mixing in beryllium around hydrogen Lyman-alpha
R Mahon1, T J McIlrath, F S Tomkins
1Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA.
Optics Letters
|August 19, 2009
Summary
Beryllium vapor efficiently generated vacuum ultraviolet radiation via four-wave sum mixing. This demonstrates beryllium
Area of Science:
- Atomic Physics
- Quantum Optics
- Nonlinear Optics
Background:
- Four-wave sum mixing (FWSM) is a key technique for generating coherent radiation.
- Beryllium (Be) is an alkaline earth metal with potential for nonlinear optical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the generation of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation using FWSM in beryllium vapor.
- To assess beryllium's efficiency as a nonlinear optical medium in the 1210-1230 Å spectral region.
Main Methods:
- Four-wave sum mixing (FWSM) process utilized.
- Beryllium vapor generated in a furnace.
- Two-photon resonance achieved via the 2s(2)(1)S-2s3d(1)D transition.
Main Results:
- Radiation successfully generated in the 1210-1230 Å range.
- Beryllium demonstrated efficient nonlinear properties in this spectral region.
- Observed limitations related to furnace stability and operating pressure.
Conclusions:
- Beryllium is a promising nonlinear medium for VUV generation.
- Improvements in furnace stability are needed for phase matching and higher pressures.
- Further optimization could enhance VUV output and broaden applications.
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