High-dynamic-range arrival time control for flexible, accurate and precise parametric sub-cycle waveform synthesis

Abstract

We introduce a simple all-inline variation of a balanced optical cross-correlator (BOC) that allows to measure the arrival time difference (ATD), over the full Nyquist bandwidth, with increased common-mode rejection and long-term stability. An FPGA-based signal processing unit allows for real-time signal normalization and enables locking to any setpoint with an unprecedented accuracy of 0.07 % within an increased ATD range of more than 400 fs, resulting in attosecond resolution locking. The setup precision is verified with an out-of-loop measurement to be less than 80 as residual jitter paving the way for highly demanding applications such as parametric waveform synthesizers.

Optical Waveform Synthesis and Its Applications

“…In Mainz et al. [ 55 ] a modified version of the BOC (dubbed RAM) was introduced and adapted to the requirements and characteristics of PWS. Elevated beam pointing instabilities, intensity fluctuations or non‐ideal beam modes are inherent to the output of multi‐stage OP(CP)As.…”

“…The normalization extends the linear range of the BOC and extends the operating range (factor $$>3x$$ in ref. [55]), which makes the feedback range where the BOC can be used much larger and the feedback‐loop more stable.…”

Towards GW-Scale Isolated Attosecond Pulse Far beyond Carbon K-Edge Driven by Mid-Infrared Waveform Synthesizer

“…First, by introducing a continuous wave (CW) laser (He-Ne) which passes through each beam path to form an interferometer, the iming jitter between each beam path can be monitored and minimized by introducing active feedback [36] to delay stages DL2 and DL3. Second, the timing jitter between the main pulse and control pulse 2 can be monitored by a balanced optical cross-correlator (BOC) [61,62], and thus can be minimized by introducing further active stabilization (feedback to DL1). Then, the temporal synchronization between each color of the synthesizer is stabilized.…”

Synchronous multi-color laser network with daily sub-femtosecond timing drift

“…To construct such a network, attosecond precision timing detectors 19 , 20 , ultra-low noise mode-locked lasers 11 , 21 , drift-free fiber network transmission 22 , 23 , and tight synchronization of the remote slave lasers 24 – 26 are needed. Although the feasibility of these individual elements has already been shown, there have been no reports of a multi-color, long-term stable synchronous mode-locked laser network featuring these components.…”

“…Here, the timing signal from a master laser is transferred via a timing-stabilized fiber link network to synchronize various remote slave lasers with daily sub-femtosecond relative timing drifts. To construct such a network, attosecond precision timing detectors 19,20 , ultra-low noise modelocked lasers 11,21 , drift-free fiber network transmission 22,23 , and tight synchronization of the remote slave lasers [24][25][26] are needed. Although the feasibility of these individual elements has already been shown, there have been no reports of a multi-color, long-term stable synchronous mode-locked laser network featuring these components.…”