Single-beam time-resolved cw thermal Z-scan analysis applied in solids

Abstract

Thermal lens and Z-scan have been the two most important and used techniques for determining third-order nonlinear optical properties and photothermal properties of optical materials. Both methods have response to thermal and electronic effects, depending on the magnitude of each effect and the experimental arrangement, one method becomes more suitable than the other in order to determine the desired property. In this paper the thermal lens effect is analyzed on time-resolved Z-scan measurements in the cw-single beam configuration. A ruby sample, which presents predominantly electronic effect, is compared to samples presenting predominant thermal effects. The theoretical and a complete experimental description are presented. The difference between both thermal and electronic effects on Z-scan method is assessed and quantified.