Dielectric-breakdown threshold and nonlinear-refractive-index measurements with picosecond laser pulses

Single pulses from a well-calibrated mode-locked YAG:Nd laser have been used to study the dielectric-breakdown properties of 14 transparent solids. Results are presented for the breakdown threshold electric fields, accurate to an estimated 15%. The experimental technique permits simultaneous measurement of the nonlinear susceptibility χₓₓₓₓ^_⁽³⁾(-ω,ω,ω,-ω), via the nonlinear refractive index. Susceptibility results with estimated accuracy of 50% are presented.