Space-time coupling of shaped ultrafast ultraviolet pulses from an acousto-optic programmable dispersive filter

A comprehensive experimental analysis of spatiotemporal coupling effects inherent to the acousto-optic programmable dispersive filter (AOPDF) is presented. Phase and amplitude measurements of the AOPDF transfer function are performed using spatially and spectrally resolved interferometry. Spatiotemporal and spatio-spectral coupling effects are presented for a range of shaped pulses that are commonly used in quantum control experiments. These effects are shown to be attributable to a single mechanism: a group-delay-dependent displacement of the shaped pulse. The physical mechanism is explained, and excellent quantitative agreement between the measured and calculated coupling speed is obtained. The implications for quantum control experiments are discussed. (C) 2010 Optical Society of America