Kerr-like nonlinearity induced via terahertz generation and the electro-optical effect in zinc blende crystals.

ABSTRACT

A model is proposed to account for Kerr-like nonlinearity induced by femtosecond pulses via terahertz generation and electro-optical effect. This phenomenon, so far overlooked, is evidenced in a zinc blende single crystal with a heterodyne optical Kerr effect setup. The spectral evolution of this phenomenon as well as its noninstantaneous response character are reported. Its competition with a third-order optical Kerr effect is demonstrated.