Real-time single-shot measurement and correction of pulse phase and amplitude for ultrafast lasers

The transition of femtosecond lasers from the laboratory to commercial applications requires real-time automated pulse compression, ensuring optimum performance without assistance. Single-shot phase measurements together with closed-loop optimization based on real-time multiphoton intrapulse interference phase scan are demonstrated. On-the-fly correction of amplitude, as well as second- and third-order phase distortions based on the real-time measurements, is accomplished by a pulse shaper. (C) 2014 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)