Self-referencing similariton-based spectral interferometry for ultrashort pulse complete characterization

Similariton is used to provide a reference for the characterization of ultrashort pulses by spectral interferometry. Measured pulse profiles are compared with autocorrelation measurements and cross-checked by spectrotemporal imaging technique based on similariton-induced temporal lens. The use of similariton makes the pulse measurement method self-referencing, substantially improving its application range, whilst preserving the simplicity of the principle and setup of the classic methods of spectral interferometry that require a reference pulse. Our comparative experimental study, carried out together with numerical simulations, provides the application range and limitations of the method and evidences the high precision of the similariton-based spectral interferometry.