The Dependence of the Nonlinear Refractive Index of Laser and Optical Glasses on Their Optical Constants

Abstract

The effect of the refractive index n_D and mean dispersion (n_F – n_C) on the nonlinear refractive index of laser and optical glasses for active elements and elements of white optics of high-power pulsed radiation amplifiers is studied. It is shown that the nonlinear refractive index of the studied glasses will not exceed the maximum allowable value of 1.20 × 10^–13 cm²/B² if their refractive index in the green (yellow) region of the spectrum is below 1.550, and the average dispersion is less than 0.00820. It is found that the nonlinear refractive index of the studied glasses depends almost linearly on both the refractive index and the average dispersion. It is proposed that athermal phosphate crowns with a nonlinear refractive index below the specified limiting value can serve as the base for obtaining neodymium glasses with a low nonlinear index.