Higher-Stokes-order Raman conversion of XeCl laser in hydrogen

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Nonlinear Optics
• Quantum Electronics

Background:

• Raman downconversion is a key technique for generating new laser wavelengths.
• Efficient generation of higher-order Stokes waves is challenging.
• Hydrogen gas is a common medium for stimulated Raman scattering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate efficient XeCl-laser Raman downconversion.
• To investigate higher-Stokes-order generation in hydrogen gas.
• To develop a novel oscillator-amplifier system for improved efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a novel oscillator-amplifier system.
• Employed hydrogen gas for Raman downconversion.
• Generated first, second, and third Stokes orders simultaneously.

Main Results:

• Achieved energy-conversion efficiencies of 18% (1st Stokes, 353 nm), 22% (2nd Stokes, 414 nm), and 14% (3rd Stokes, 499 nm).
• Observed simultaneous generation of multiple Stokes orders.
• Results showed good agreement with computer simulations.

Conclusions:

• The novel oscillator-amplifier system enables efficient higher-Stokes-order Raman downconversion.
• This method provides a viable route for generating multiple wavelengths from a single laser source.
• The findings support the use of hydrogen gas for efficient laser wavelength generation.