Time dependence of multiorder stimulated Raman scattering from single droplets.

An optical multichannel detection technique was used to measure simultaneously the time profiles of the input laser pulse and the elastic scattering, as well as the time profiles of the spectrally resolved multiorder stimulated Raman scattering (SRS), from single droplets. The time delay between the multiorder SRS and the input laser pulse is consistent with the generalized four-wave mixing process for first-order stimulated Raman growth, starting from spontaneous noise or the parametric signal. The presence of an internal plasma associated with laser-induced breakdown within a droplet quenches the SRS and increases the elastic scattering.