Dispersion- and Group Index Measurements in Dielectrics with Ultrashort Laser Pulses near the Bandgap Edge

A method for measuring the group refractive index and dispersion of dielectrics using a pump-probe scheme demonstrated with a ZnSe crystal. In this approach, an intense, ultrashort pump pulse causes ionization of the crystal, leading to scattering and absorption effects on the subsequent broadband probe pulse, which experiences dispersive broadening as it propagates through the crystal. By adjusting the time delay between the pump and probe pulses, we can effectively control the spectrum transmitted through the crystal, enabling the retrieval of both the group refractive index and dispersion characteristics.