Frequency conversion via stimulated Raman scattering

The use of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) for frequency conversion is discussed with reference to Raman shifted Nd:YAG and Nd:YAG pumped dye laser sources. It is shown that a single SRS cell with H2 gas allows convenient generation of tunable wavelengths from less than 200 nm to greater than 2 microns. Recent advances, including the use of SRS at 10 microns in the infrared, the development of a multiple pass cell to enhance the Raman gain, and the use of four-wave mixing to reduce the Raman gain required for efficient conversion, are briefly reviewed.