Abstract

Many recent applications of vector pulses require the characterization of time-dependent polarization of ultrashort laser pulses [1]. For a precise measurement, the relative phase between the vector components is crucial. We propose a monolithic, in-line, single-channel interferometer setup [2], which allows the full determination of the time-evolving polarization state of the pulse, retrieving with precision the relative phase thanks to its great stability (~10^-3 ). This is possible due to the use of a birefringent material (3-mm calcite) to delay the x- and ycomponents of the pulse (Fig. 1a). A linear polarizer (LP) is used to measure three projections with a spectrometer: 0° and 90° for the spectral amplitude of the x- and y-components, respectively, and 45° for the spectral interferences of the delayed components. By analysing the latter using Fourier-transform filtering [3], it is possible to retrieve the full relative phase (including constant term).

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