Evaluating the single-shot photodegradation of optically-transparent bulk polymers under two-photon Raman-resonant laser irradiation in nanosecond regime (multiplex CARS test)

Abstract

Laser-induced photodegradation of bulk optically-transparent polymers was probed under laser irradiation at two-photon Raman resonance. The photodegradation effect was inspected for organic polymers poly-(methyl methacrylate) and polystyrene by means of single-shot multiplex coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy performed with nanosecond-pulsed laser sources. Under such conditions of photoirradiation in the visible spectral range, the laser pulse intensity threshold for photodegradation of these polymers was determined.