Third order nonlinear optical characterization using focal shift measurements

We report on third order optical nonlinear experimental characterization using Z-scan method through focal shift measurements of a converging lens. The sample is fixed in front of a lens and is illuminated by a collimated beam. The shift of the geometrical focus in the nonlinear regime using input Gaussian beams is related to the nonlinear induced dephasing owing to a simple linear relation. Numerical calculations based on the Helmholtz wave equation are performed. Good agreement is obtained between experimental and theoretical results.