Abstract
Present status of mode-locked pico-second pulse lasers and their applications to quantum physics of matters is extensively reviewed. It is pointed out that the features of pico-second light pulses exist in their ultra high peak powers and ultra short durations. Emphasis is placed on the nonlinear and transient responces of matters caused by such features. First, recent progresses on nonlinear optical phenomena, ultra fast relaxation phenomena and dynamical behaviour of highly excited materials, made by means of pico-second spectroscopy, are extensively reviewed. Second, coherent mixed states of light and matter and nonlinear resonant phenomena in the pico-second regions are suggested as future problems. Finally pico-second lasers to be developed, including X-ray lasers, and their applications to nuclear fusions are briefly mentioned.
