Theory of Z-scan technique using Gaussian—Bessel beams with a phase object

This paper reports the theoretical study of combining Z-scan technique with Gauss—Bessel (GB) beams beside a phase object (PO) to measure the third-order nonlinear susceptibility components. By using this method, the sign of refractive index which depends on the shape of the close aperture Z-scan curve can be easily determined. Meanwhile, the magnitude of nonlinear coefficients can also be deduced by theoretical fit. The proposed method is advantageous for high sensitivity and imposes a lower stress in the cases of fragile materials, since small pulse energy is enough for the measurement of nonlinear coefficients. Predictions of the models are compared with Gaussian Z-scan measurement and GB Z-scan measurement. By using GB beams with a PO, the sensitivity of Z-scan measurements is found to be a factor of over 60 times greater than for Gaussian beams and 2 times greater than for Gaussian-Bessel beams.