Laser-assisted collisional effects in non-linear optical phenomena: Six-wave difference frequency mixing in mercury vapor

Abstract

Laser-assisted collisional phenomena have been observed in non-linear optical studies of harmonic generation in Hg vapor. Spectral profiles showing the characteristic assymetric broadening, which are the signature of such effects, have been obtained for both single- laser and two-laser pump-probe experiments. The latter clearly shows that harmonic radiation is only produced by the application of a “dressing” laser field.