Measurement of a π Stokes phase jump in spontaneously initiated stimulated Raman scattering

Abstract

The π phase jump generated spontaneously in stimulated Raman scattering, which is the origin of Raman soliton formation, has been investigated. The probability of Raman soliton generation is measured as a function of the pressure of the Raman medium and the pump intensity. The relation between the soliton’s shape and the magnitude of the phase jump has been revealed by homodyne phase detection of the Stokes phase. These results are compared with numerical calculation, and qualitative agreement is obtained. The stochastic nature of Raman soliton generation is discussed in terms of the phase jump’s magnitude and evolution through the Raman medium.