Frequency conversion of picosecond radiation in ultraviolet (338-366 nm) and vacuum ultraviolet (113.5-117.0 nm) ranges

The results of nonlinear optical conversion of picosecond radiation continu ously tuneable in the ultraviolet (UV) and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) ranges are presented. Sum frequency generation of the second harmonic of Nd:glass laser radiation and of parametric waves in the UV range (338-366 nm) was in vestigated. UV pulses (7 ps) with an energy of 3 mJ were attained in this r ange. The maximal sum frequency conversion efficiency in UV range; was 0.12 (for lambda = 349 nm). Third-harmonic generation (THG) in gas mixtures tun eable in the 113.5-117.0 nm range was studied. THG efficiencies of 3 x 10(- 5) and 8 x 10(-4) and the range of VUV frequency tuning of 2600 cm(-1) were achieved for pure Xe and gas mixtures respectively.