Subpicosecond time-resolved infrared spectral photography

An apparatus for recording broadband infrared absorption spectra from 2.2 to 2.7 µm with subpicosecond time resolution is described. It comprises a new subpicosecond IR continuum generator, based on stimulated electronic Raman scattering in Ba vapor, and a broadband, infrared-to-visible upconverter, utilizing alkali metal vapor. © 1987 Optical Society of America.