One-dimensional coherent four-wave mixing as a way to image the spatial distribution of atoms in a laser-produced plasma.

An experimental technique based on coherent one-dimensional hyper-Raman-resonant four-wave mixing in broad cylindrically focused light beams has been developed for line-by-line imaging of spatial distribution of excited atoms in a low-temperature plasma of optical breakdown. The technique was applied to map excited lead atoms in a low-temperature laser-produced plasma.