Abstract

Previously we showed¹ that two-photon-resonant sum- and difference-frequency mixing in Hg vapor is a practical means of generating coherent light over the 140-120- and 230-185-nm wavelength ranges. Here we consider optimization of the conversion efficiency for such a two-photon-resonant mixing process in general and for generation of 130.2-nm atomic oxygen resonance light in particular. We predict that conversion efficiencies (defined as the energy of the sum frequency divided by the total input light energy) of 5-10% should be possible for 130.2-nm production using unfocused mixing beams. This prediction is being tested in experiments at Spectra Technologies, Inc. Their results are described in a companion paper.

© 1988 Optical Society of America