Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Optics Express

Continuous-wave Lyman-α generation with solid-state lasers

Martin Scheid, Daniel Kolbe, Frank Markert, Theodor W. Hänsch, J. Walz

Published Jun 22, 2009• 37 citations
Publisher

Abstract

A coherent continuous-wave Lyman-alpha source based on four-wave sum-frequency mixing in mercury vapor has been realized with solid-state lasers. The third-order nonlinear susceptibility is enhanced by the 6(1)S - 7(1)S two-photon resonance and the near 6(1)S-6(3)P one-photon resonance. The phase matching curve for this four-wave mixing scheme is observed for the first time. In addition we investigate the two-photon enhancement of the Lyman-alpha yield and observe that the maxima of Lyman-alpha generation are shifted compared to the two-photon resonances of the different isotopes.

DOI
10.1364/oe.17.011274

Related papers

Continuous Wave Coherent Lyman- α Radiation

K. S. E. Eikema, J. Walz, Theodor W. Hänsch

We describe the first coherent generation of continuous wave radiation at 121.56 nm. A yield of $3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{8}\mathrm{photons}/\mathrm{sec}$ (0.5 nW) has been achieved by four-wave mixing in mercury vapor. This continuous Lyman- $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ source could be used for laser cooling and precision spectroscopy of both hydrogen and antihydrogen.

Physical Review Letters•Nov 8, 1999•79 citations

Continuous Lyman-alpha generation by four-wave mixing in mercury for laser-cooling of antihydrogen

Daniel Kolbe, Anna Beczkowiak, Diehl, T. +6 more

Cooling antihydrogen atoms is important for future experiments both to test the fundamental CPT symmetry by high-resolution laser spectroscopy and also to measure the gravitational acceleration of antimatter. Laser-cooling of antihydrogen can be done on the strong 1S-2P transition at the wavelength of Lyman-alpha (121.6nm). A continuous-wave laser at the Lyman-alpha wavelength based on solid-state fundamental lasers is described. By using a two-photon and a near one photon resonance a scan across the whole phasematching curve of the four-wave mixing process is possible. Furthermore the influence of the beam profile of one fundamental beam on the four-wave mixing process is studied.

arXiv:1009.5480•Sep 28, 2010•0 citations

Continuous Lyman-alpha generation by four-wave mixing in mercury for laser cooling of antihydrogenThis paper was presented at the International Conference on Precision Physics of Simple Atomic Systems, held at École de Physique, les Houches, France, 30 May – 4 June, 2010.

Daniel Kolbe, Anna Beczkowiak, T. Diehl +6 more

Cooling antihydrogen atoms is important for future experiments both to test the fundamental CPT symmetry by high resolution laser spectroscopy and also to measure the gravitational acceleration of antimatter. Laser cooling of antihydrogen can be done on the strong 1S–2P transition at the wavelength of Lyman-alpha (121.6 nm). A continuous wave laser at the Lyman-alpha wavelength based on solid-state fundamental lasers is described. By using a two-photon and a near one-photon resonance a scan across the whole phase matching curve of the four-wave mixing process is possible. Furthermore the influence of the beam profile of one fundamental beam on the four-wave mixing process is studied.

Canadian Journal of Physics•Jan 1, 2011•6 citations

Continuous Coherent Lyman- α Excitation of Atomic Hydrogen

K. S. E. Eikema, J. Walz, Theodor W. Hänsch

The 1S-2P transition in atomic hydrogen has been observed for the first time with almost natural linewidth. We employ a unique source of continuous coherent Lyman- alpha radiation based on four-wave mixing in mercury. The output of the source has been improved 40-fold to yield 20 nW. This demonstration shows that laser cooling and detection with continuous Lyman- alpha radiation has excellent prospects for future experiments with antihydrogen.

Physical Review Letters•Jun 18, 2001•103 citations

Four-wave sum mixing in beryllium around hydrogen Lyman-α

Rita Mahon, Frank S. Tomkins, Daniel E. Kelleher +1 more

Radiation was generated between 1210 and 1230 A by four-wave sum mixing in beryllium vapor where the 2s(2)(1)S-2s3d(1)D transition was two-photon resonant. Results indicate that beryllium will be an efficient nonlinear medium in this spectral region with improvements to the stability of the furnace to allow phase matching and operation at higher pressures.

Optics Letters•Nov 1, 1979•12 citations

Magnetic-field-induced sum-frequency mixing in sodium vapor

Alistair J. Poustie, Malcolm H. Dunn

An experimental and theoretical study of magnetic-field-induced sum-frequency mixing in sodium vapor has been carried out using two single-frequency, continuous-wave dye lasers as the sources of the fundamental radiation. In addition to the usual two-photon resonant enhancement of the three-wave-mixing nonlinear-optical process, the use of near- or on-resonant single-photon transitions for further resonant enhancement was investigated. The macroscopic phase-matching behavior of the sum-frequency mixing was examined with the intermediate states off resonance. Experimental and theoretical results are presented to illustrate the differences that occur between the coherent quadrupole emission and the incoherent cascade fluorescence when the intermediate states in the two-photon absorption are resonant. Control over the single-photon resonant enhancement and the sum-frequency-mixing phase matching was achieved to increase the power conversion efficiency to 1.2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}5}$.

Physical Review A•Feb 1, 1993•14 citations
A coherent continuous-wave Lyman-alpha source based on four-wave sum-frequency mixing in mercury vapor has been realized with solid-state lasers. The third-order nonlinear susceptibility is enhanced by the 6(1)S - 7(1)S two-photon resonance and the near 6(1)S-6(3)P one-photon resonance. The phase matching curve for this four-wave mixing scheme is observed for the first time. In addition we investigate the two-photon enhancement of the Lyman-alpha yield and observe that the maxima of Lyman-alpha generation are shifted compared to the two-photon resonances of the different isotopes.
Cooling antihydrogen atoms is important for future experiments both to test the fundamental CPT symmetry by high-resolution laser spectroscopy and also to measure the gravitational acceleration of antimatter. Laser-cooling of antihydrogen can be done on the strong 1S-2P transition at the wavelength of Lyman-alpha (121.6nm). A continuous-wave laser at the Lyman-alpha wavelength based on solid-state fundamental lasers is described. By using a two-photon and a near one photon resonance a scan across the whole phasematching curve of the four-wave mixing process is possible. Furthermore the influence of the beam profile of one fundamental beam on the four-wave mixing process is studied.
Cooling antihydrogen atoms is important for future experiments both to test the fundamental CPT symmetry by high resolution laser spectroscopy and also to measure the gravitational acceleration of antimatter. Laser cooling of antihydrogen can be done on the strong 1S–2P transition at the wavelength of Lyman-alpha (121.6 nm). A continuous wave laser at the Lyman-alpha wavelength based on solid-state fundamental lasers is described. By using a two-photon and a near one-photon resonance a scan across the whole phase matching curve of the four-wave mixing process is possible. Furthermore the influence of the beam profile of one fundamental beam on the four-wave mixing process is studied.
An experimental and theoretical study of magnetic-field-induced sum-frequency mixing in sodium vapor has been carried out using two single-frequency, continuous-wave dye lasers as the sources of the fundamental radiation. In addition to the usual two-photon resonant enhancement of the three-wave-mixing nonlinear-optical process, the use of near- or on-resonant single-photon transitions for further resonant enhancement was investigated. The macroscopic phase-matching behavior of the sum-frequency mixing was examined with the intermediate states off resonance. Experimental and theoretical results are presented to illustrate the differences that occur between the coherent quadrupole emission and the incoherent cascade fluorescence when the intermediate states in the two-photon absorption are resonant. Control over the single-photon resonant enhancement and the sum-frequency-mixing phase matching was achieved to increase the power conversion efficiency to 1.2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}5}$.