Ultraviolet ultrafast pump–probe laser based on a Ti:sapphire laser system

Abstract

An ultrafast spectroscopic pump-probe apparatus for detection of ultraviolet time-resolved spectra is described. Frequency doubling of an 810-nm 0.3-TW Ti:sapphire laser system yields 15-mJ 165-fs pulses at 405 nm. We obtain pulse energies of 0.8 mJ by frequency tripling to 270 nm. An ultraviolet supercontinuum extending from 200 to 600 nm is also generated in water by use of the frequency-doubled 405-nm light. The system operates at a 5-Hz repetition rate and is useful for applications in deep-ultraviolet pump-probe subpicosecond spectroscopy.