Self-Induced Gain And Loss Modulation In Coherent, Transient Raman Pulse-Propagation

Self-induced modulation of Raman-Stokes pulse amplification and laser pulse attenuation was observed in coherent Raman pulse propagation in ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ gas. This modulation is due to laser pulse depletion and transient response of the material polarization. Theoretical analysis of the propagation equations agrees well with experimental observations.