Efficient generation of vibrational stimulated Raman emission in the ultraviolet region using a femtosecond pump beam

The third harmonic emission (261 nm, 30 μJ) of a femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser is focused into molecular hydrogen to generate vibrational stimulated Raman emission. High-order emission lines are efficiently generated by using a high-beam-quality nearly-transform-limited laser and high-pressure hydrogen (40 atm) as a Raman medium.