Spatio-temporal conversion, storage, and processing using femtosecond optical pulses

Optical signal processing, traditionally employed in the spatial domain, has been experiencing a renaissance with femtosecond laser pulse technology. Temporal optical information can now be manipulated via linear and nonlinear processes, and stored and retrieved, by converting optical signals between the spatial and temporal domains. In this manuscript, we review the state-of-the-art in the spatio-temporal optical signal processing techniques for information data coding, data conversion, signal recording, as well as signal characterization. Applications of these techniques for future computing, communication, storage, and signal processing systems are discussed.