Z-scan technique

The Z-scan technique is a method used to measure how materials respond to laser light, specifically their nonlinear optical properties. By moving a sample through the focus ("Z" position) of a laser beam, researchers observe changes in the transmitted light intensity. These variations reveal how the material's refractive index or absorption changes with light intensity, providing insights into its optical behavior. The Z-scan is valuable for characterizing materials for applications like lasers, optical switching, and developing new photonic technologies.