Group-delay Dispersion in Double-prism Pair and Limitation in Broadband Laser Pulses

A general expression of group delay dispersion is obtained without any approximation for a pair of double prisms with an arbitrary apex angle. This expression also includes the change of dispersion resulting from change in insertion of the prism material into the beam by translating prism-pairs. The high order dispersion can be calculated by means of this expression. The limitation for generation of negative group delay dispersion by use of prism pairs is presented for ultrashort laser pulses with broadband spectrum.