Random quasi-phase-matching for pulse characterization from the near to the long wavelength infrared

Journal Article · Fri Nov 18 00:00:00 EST 2022 · Optics Express

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.471988· OSTI ID:1899180

Davis, Brandin ; Saule, Tobias; Trallero-Herrero, Carlos A.

Experiments requiring ultrafast laser pulses require a full characterization of the electric field to glean meaning from the experimental data. Such characterization typically requires a separate parametric optical process. As the central wavelength range of new sources continues to increase so too does the need for nonlinear crystals suited for characterizing these wavelengths. Here we report on the use of poly-crystalline zinc selenide as a universal nonlinear crystal in the frequency resolved optical gating characterization technique from the near to long-wavelength infrared. Due to its property of random quasi-phase-matching it’s capable of phase matching second-harmonic and sum-frequency generation of ultra-broadband pulses in the near and long wavelength infrared, while being crystal orientation independent. With the majority of ultra-fast laser sources being in this span of wavelengths, this work demonstrates a greatly simplified approach towards ultra-fast pulse characterization spanning from the near to the long-wavelength infrared. To our knowledge there is no single optical technique capable of such flexible capabilities.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
• Grant/Contract Number: SC0019098
• OSTI ID: 1899180
• Journal Information: Optics Express, Journal Name: Optics Express Vol. 30 Journal Issue: 24; ISSN 1094-4087
• Publisher: Optical Society of America
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English