Efficient nonlinear frequency conversion in an all-resonant double-Λ system

We demonstrate efficient, pulsed, gas-phase, nonlinear frequency conversion in a quadruply resonant, double-Lambda system and, simultaneously, verify theoretical predictions of Rabi-frequency matching unique to absorbing nonlinear media. This system is used to up-convert ultraviolet light at 233 nm to the vacuum ultraviolet at 186 nm in atomic Pb vapor with small-signal conversion efficiencies exceeding 30% and with modest atomic density-length (NL) products (scale 10(14) cm(-2)) and optical power densities (10-100 kW/cm(2)).