Single-shot ultrafast visualization and measurement of laser–matter interactions in flexible glass using frequency domain holography

Abstract

We perform single-shot frequency domain holography to measure the ultrafast spatio-temporal phase change induced by the optical Kerr effect and plasma in flexible Corning Willow Glass during femtosecond laser–matter interactions. We measure the nonlinear index of refraction ( n 2 ) to be ( 3.6 ± 0.1 ) × 10 − 16 c m 2 / W and visualize the plasma formation and recombination on femtosecond time scales in a single shot. To compare with the experiment, we carry out numerical simulations by solving the nonlinear envelope equation.