Fluorescence-Detected Ultrafast Free-Induction Decay in Powdered Rare Earth Solids

Fluorescence interferometry is developed and applied to study ultrafast amplitude and phase dynamics for free-induction decay in powdered rare earth solids. The time-resolved phase dynamics of free-induction decay through-out the decaying process is accurately determined by using a novel dual-channel correlation technique and subpi-cosecond dephasing time is measured for Nd³⁺ solids at room temperature. The phase dynamics is well simulated with linear coherent polarization theory.