Nonlinear-optical Christiansen filter as an optical power limiter.

We have constructed an optical power limiter based on nonlinear induced scattering in a cell containing crushed glass and a mixture of acetone and carbon disulfide. For 30-ps-long laser pulses the transmitted energy saturates at a value of 6 microJ. We also present the results of a theoretical modeling study that shows how the operating characteristics of such a device can be optimized.