Reduced quantum noise in waveguide coherent Raman scattering spectroscopy

Waveguide regimes of nonlinear-optical interactions allow a reduction of quantum noise in spectra of coherent Raman scattering (CRS). We will find the optimal waveguide length providing the maximum quantum limit for the signal-to-noise ratio in waveguide CRS and assess this ratio for laser intensities right below the optical breakdown threshold. This analysis shows that the quantum-limit signal-to-noise ratio of coherent femtosecond CRS spectroscopy of the gas phase can be increased in the waveguide regime by more than four orders of magnitude relative to the regime of tight focusing.