Characterization of dynamic optical nonlinearities by continuous time-resolved Z-scan

Dynamic optical nonlinearities are investigated with a dual-beam (pulsed-pump, cw probe) Z-scan technique. Monitoring of probe transmission after strong pump excitation permits determination of time-varying parameters such as nonlinear refraction n(I,t) and absorption α(I,t). Continuous time resolution provides an efficient means of measuring and distinguishing fast and slow nonlinear mechanisms such as electronic, free-carrier, and thermal effects observed in semiconductors. We demonstrate this technique in CdTe and measure bound-electronic refraction; two-photon absorption; free-carrier refraction, absorption, and diffusion; thermal refraction and temperature changes; and related time constants.