Spectral phase reconstruction of femtosecond laser pulse from interferometric autocorrelation and evolutionary algorithm

We report on the complete temporal characterization of femtosecond laser pulses from second-order in-terferometric autocorrelation and laser spectrum measurements. The method exploits a newly developed autocorrelator based on a two photon-absorption signal produced directly within a camera sensor so as to provide a single-shot interferometric autocorrelation of great reliability and robustness. Interferometric autocorrelation trace and laser spectrum are exploited for a spectral phase retrieval via an evolutionary algorithm. The quality of the reconstruction for highly modulated spectral phases imprinted by a pulse shaper confirms the reliability of the method. The autocorrelator is compact, robust and easy to use. Possible improvements are discussed.

Automated summary

This paper reports on a complete temporal characterization method for femtosecond laser pulses, based on second-order interferometric autocorrelation and laser spectrum measurements. A newly developed autocorrelator is used, which generates a two-photon absorption signal directly within a camera sensor, providing a reliable and robust single-shot interferometric autocorrelation. The interferometric autocorrelation trace and laser spectrum are utilized for spectral phase retrieval using an evolutionary algorithm. The reliability of the method is confirmed by the quality of reconstruction for highly modulated spectral phases imprinted by a pulse shaper. The autocorrelator is compact, robust, and easy to use. Possible improvements are discussed.