Nonlinear refractive index measurement on pure and Nd doped YAG ceramic by dual arm Z-scan technique

Transparent ceramics gain much attention as an alternative medium for high power ultra-short lasers because of its superior thermal properties over single crystals. Measurement of nonlinear refractive index is essential to understand the limit of such material for ultra-short laser generation. Dual arm Z-scan technique was employed to measure n2 for single crystal and ceramic at the same time to avoid any uncertainty due to different measuring times.