Abstract

Ultrashort pulse techniques have become increasingly important in the generation of intense radiation. Powerful picosecond and subpicosecond sources now cover a wide range of the spectrum, with its extremities in the ultraviolet (excimer lasers) and in the midinfrared (CO₂ lasers). We review methods of generating and amplifying ultra-short pulses in the 10-μm wavelength region and discuss emerging diagnostic techniques which will allow picosecond and femtosecond spectroscopy to be performed in the midinfrared.

© 1987 Optical Society of America