Dye vapors - New nonlinear optical material for VIS, UV and VUV generation?

Estimations and preliminary experimental results are presented to show that molecules with double-conjugated bonds are promising nonlinear media for VUV generation. The advantages of the new class of nonlinear gaseous media (e.g., low temperature and inertness) over the traditionally used metal vapors are discussed with reference to experimental results on frequency-tunable UV and VUV generation in the wavelength range 176.5-178.6 nm.