Time-resolved pump-probe technology with phase object for measurements of optical nonlinearities

A new time-resolved pump-probe system with phase object, which is based on the PO Z-scan technique and the standard pump-probe system, is presented. This new method can simultaneously investigate the dynamic of nonlinear absorption and refraction conveniently. On the other hand, both degenerate and nondegenerate pump and probe beams in any polarization states can be used in this system. The nonlinear optical properties of tetrasulfonated copper phthalocyanine dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide solution are investigated by using this system. (C) 2009 Optical Society of America