Measuring saturable nonlinearity in atomic vapor via direct spatial mapping
Year: 2022
Type: article
Abstract: We demonstrate a scheme to measure the saturable nonlinearity of atomic vapor by mapping its nonlinear response function onto a light beam profile. Our analysis shows that a part of a nonlinear optical solution solved in a model governing the nonlinear beam dynamics in atomic vapor can be used to perform this measurement, even in the presence of large absorption. A desired beam profile is achieved by an evolution of a well-known structured beam, namely the Airy beam. Using this simple yet effective method, we retrieve the saturable nonlinear response function of rubidium (Rb) atomic vapor in experiment, and employ it in light propagation simulation that reproduces well observed nonlinear dynamics, which nevertheless cannot be fitted in a strong nonlinear regime with an ideal Kerr approximation. Our method is applicable to a broad spectrum of materials featured with saturable nonlinearities.
Source: Optics Express
DOI: 10.1364/oe.472652
Authors: Juan Wu, Pengbo Jia, Sandan Wang, Xuewen Wang, Jinpeng Yuan, Lirong Wang, Yi Hu, Zhigang Chen, Jingjun Xu
Institutions: Henan Normal University, Shanxi University
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,270
OpenAlex ID: W4307216947