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.