Fluorescence-detected ultrafast free-induction decay in powdered rare earth solids

Fluorescence interferometry is developed and applied to study ultrafast amplitude and phase dynamics for free-induction decay in powdered rare earth solids. The time-resolved phase dynamics of free-induction decay throughout the decaying process is accurately determined by using a novel dual-channel correlation technique and subpicosecond dephasing time is measured for Nd3+ solids at room temperature. The phase dynamics is well simulated with Linear coherent polarization theory.