Self-Referenced Spectral Interferometry for Femtosecond Pulse Characterization

Abstract

Abstract:Since its introduction in 2010, self-referenced spectral interferometry (SRSI) has turned out to be an analytical, sensitive, accurate, and fast method for characterizing the temporal profile of femtosecond pulses. We review the underlying principle and the recent progress in the field of SRSI. We present our experimental work on this method, including the development of self-diffraction (SD) effect-based SRSI (SD-SRSI) and transient-grating (TG) effect-based SRSI (TG-SRSI). Three experiments based on TG-SRSI were performed: (1) We built a simple TG-SRSI device and used it to characterize a sub-10 fs pulse with a center wavelength of 1.8 µm. (2) On the basis of the TG effect, we successfully combined SRSI and frequency-resolved optical gating (FROG) into a single device. The device has a broad range of application, because it has the advantages of both SRSI and FROG methods. (3) Weak sub-nanojoule pulses from an oscillator were successfully characterized using the TG-SRSI device, the optical setup of which is smaller than the palm of a hand, making it convenient for use in many applications, including sensor monitoring the pulse profile of laser systems. In addition, the SRSI method was extended for single-shot characterization of the temporal contrast of ultraintense and ultrashort laser pulses.

Double-pulse characterization by self-referenced spectral interferometry

“…Nowadays, the Self-Referenced Spectral Interferometry (SRSI) 13 is a popular method for determining the time evolution of ultrashort optical pulses. It is based on the interference of an unknown pulse and a self-created reference pulse, which is generated by a third-order nonlinear optical effect 14 .…”

Improved self-referenced spectral interferometry for large chirped pulses

“…The self-referenced spectral interferometry (SRSI) technique has been recognized as a potent methodology for characterizing the temporal-spectral properties of femtosecond laser pulses. It boasts notable advantages such as singleshot operation, self-referencing, simplicity in optical setup, rapid measurement, and analytical iteration [1] . This technique has been employed for characterizing pulses with durations nearing 10 fs [2] and energies below 0.5 nJ [3] .…”

Broadband Spectral Domain Interferometry for Optical Characterization of Nematic Liquid Crystals

“…The principle is based on Spectral Domain Interferometry (SDI). SDI combined with Fourier analysis is a powerful metrology tool, already developed for optical coherent tomography [26], bulk group index measurement [27], phase response of metasurfaces [28] or ultrashort pulse characterization [29,30]. In previous publications, we have shown that common-path SDI performed with femtosecond pulses is suitable to achieve real-time tracking of the electro-optical changes in birefringence of nematics [3,11].…”