Kloevekorn, P.Munch, J.2006-07-212006-07-211997Applied Optics, 1997; 36(24):5913-59170003-69352155-3165http://hdl.handle.net/2440/12389We have developed and characterized a novel method of measuring the transient response of third-order optical nonlinearities using degenerate four-wave mixing and a phase-conjugated laser system. Variable compression of laser pulses allows selective probing of a material for thermal effects and faster nonlinearities such as electronic or reorientational effects. We confirm the utility of the system by demonstrating time-scale-dependent nonlinear optical behavior in an organometallic liquid crystal. © 1997 Optical Society of America.en© 1997 Optical Society of AmericaJournal article0030004011001997245010.1364/AO.36.0059132-s2.0-054239790768017