Temporal and spectral dispersion of an optical source using a micromirror array-based streak camera

Abstract

The digital micromirror device (DMD) is an array of tilting micromirrors, capable of high frame rates that are made possible by rapid changes of angular state. The rapid angular change of the mirrors is used to sweep an optical signal across a camera sensor, resulting in a version of a streak camera, capable of temporal dispersion of an optical signal. Using a single pixel or single line of pixels can produce a continuous temporal track, whereas a two-dimensional array of mirrors scans an intensity envelope across discrete diffraction orders. Temporal resolutions of 10nS have been achieved and used to measure laser pulse widths. Combining with a diffraction grating oriented orthogonally to the temporal dispersion enables temporal and spectral dispersion to be obtained simultaneously.

Laser beam wavelength determination algorithm using a digital micromirror device

“…In this context, it is desirable to measure as many properties of the incoming light source as possible to classify the laser system being used. Elsewhere, the DMD has been used to determine a laser wavelength 18 and pulse length 19 . Thus, in different configurations, the DMD is able to determine several relevant properties of a laser source.…”

“…Elsewhere, the DMD has been used to determine a laser wavelength 18 and pulse length. 19 Thus, in different configurations, the DMD is able to determine several relevant properties of a laser source. In this work, we develop the ability to determine a laser source wavelength.…”