Abstract

Different frequency components of an ultrashort-pulse train are transversely separated by a dispersion line consisting of a pair of highly dispersive prisms. The dispersion line is adjusted for zero group velocity dispersion. Cross interference between different sections of the pulse spectrum is made in a modified Mach–Zehnder interferometer. The phase of the central section of the spectrum is chosen as a reference, and the relative phase between the central section and other sections of the spectrum is then determined by measuring the curve of the center of the interference profile. The initial pulses are completely reconstructed with the measured amplitude and relative phase of the spectrum. The whole detection is made by simply using a photon diode array to record the interference pattern. Single shot detection of the pulse is also possible. This ultrashort-pulse diagnostic scheme avoids any nonlinear process and iterative calculation.

© 1992 Optical Society of America