Z-scan studies in fluorescein-doped boric acid glass

The non-linear response of fluorescein-doped boric acid glass was probed using the Z-scan technique. A striking contrast was observed in its non-linear transmission characteristics at different argon-ion laser wavelengths. The non-linear transmission characteristics exhibit strong saturation behaviour at 457.9nm whilst at 476.5nm and 488.0nm the response is dominated by intense excited state absorption. The experimental observations are explained using the four-level saturable absorber model. The excited state absorption cross-section, saturation intensity, light induced absorption and refraction changes have been determined along with the sign of the non-linearity at various argon laser wavelengths. The optical limiting characteristics of fluorescein at 476.5 nm and 457.9 nm are also reported. The behaviour of the sample was in agreement with the Z-scan observations. This revised version was published online in November 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.