Third harmonic generation in molecular gases

Abstract

We report excitation profiles for producing vacuum ultraviolet radiation via third harmonic generation in a range of molecular gases, including C₂H₂, C₂D₂, CS₂, H₂S, CO, CH₃I, CH₃Cl, HCl and BrCN. We also present the results of model calculations which provide a qualitative rationale for the way in which these excitation functions are observed to vary with sample pressure and with laser focusing conditions, and conclude by pinpointing factors which are likely to encourage third harmonic generation in molecular gases.