RAMAN SHIFTING OF PICOSECOND LIGHT-PULSES IN HYDROGEN GAS

Picosecond light pulses are used to generate multiple wavelengths by means of stimulated Raman scattering. A review of the processes involved is presented, followed by a discussion of the experimental apparatus. Stokes and anti-Stokes Raman-shifted lines arising from vibrational and rotational transitions are observed. The polarization of the incident pump laser considerably affects which wavelengths are observed. Some vibrational Raman lines exhibit a splitting that is due to scattering from different initial H-2 rotational states.