Efficient frequency converter of ultrashort pulses to different spectral regions based on atomic barium vapor in a leucosapphire cell

A frequency converter for ultrashort pulses, based on a leucosapphire cell in which atomic barium vapor, is formed was realized for the first time. This converter makes it possible to generate picosecond and femtosecond pulses in the infrared, visible, ultraviolet, and vacuum ultraviolet spectral regions with a high efficiency. A method is given for determining the gain G for stimulated Raman scattering in a single laser shot. In the case of stimulated electronic Raman scattering in barium vapor with a 30 cm^–1 detuning, at a pressure of 0.1 Torr, and for a pump pulse duration of ~ 20 ps, a value of G = (0.2)I_p cm/MW was obtained (where I_p is the pump intensity) while the threshold pump energy was below 1 μJ. Other possible applications of a leucosapphire cell containing atomic barium vapor are also described.