Time-domain interferometry for direct electric-field reconstruction by use of an acousto-optic programmable filter and a two-photon detector

International audienceWe introduce a new approach to the characterization of femtosecond optical pulses based on a remarkably simple setup combining a two-photon detector and a pulse shaper consisting of a longitudinal acousto-optic programmable filter. The operation of this setup is demonstrated through the use of a new version of spectral phase interferometry for direct electric-field reconstruction based on time-domain instead of on frequency-domain interferometry. Cop. 2003 Optical Society of Americ