Continuous frequency tuning of a picosecond neodymium-glass laser in the UV and VUV

The results of an investigation of continuous frequency tuning of a neodymium laser in the UV and VUV ranges are reported. Generation of the sum frequency of second harmonic radiation and the radiation from a parametric light generator in the UV region (338–366 nm) is achieved. The optimal conditions for tuning UV radiation in the range 113.5–117.0 nm in third-harmonic generation processes in xenon and its mixtures with other gases are investigated. A third-harmonic generation efficiency of ∼5×10−4 and a tuning range >2600 cm−1 are obtained in the VUV range investigated.