ABSTRACT
Nonlinear absorption plays an important role in the applications of nonlinear optics. In some devices it is detrimental, limiting the usefulness of device operation at high intensities. Such is the case of all-optical waveguide switches. On the other hand, devices such as optical limiters rely on strong nonlinear absorption for effective performance, as discussed in the last chapter. Nonlinear absorption has also been employed to enhance the optical spectroscopic study of materials. The phenomena produced by nonlinear absorption can in turn be used to measure the associated materials parameters. This chapter describes several such characterization methods.
