title: Linear and nonlinear operation of a time-to-space processor.
abstract: The operational characteristics of a time-to-space processor based on three-wave mixing for instantaneous imaging of ultrafast waveforms are investigated. We assess the effects of various system parameters on the processor's important attributes: time window of operation and signal conversion efficiency. Both linear and nonlinear operation regimes are considered, with use of a Gaussian pulse profile and a Gaussian spatial mode model. This model enables us to define a resolution measure for the processor, which is found to be an important characteristic. When the processor is operated in the linear interaction regime, we find that the conversion efficiency of a temporal signal to a spatial image is inversely proportional to the resolution measure. In the nonlinear interaction regime, nonuniform signal conversion due to fundamental wave depletion gives rise to a phenomenon that can be used to enhanced the imaging operation. We experimentally verify this nonlinear operation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0407, USA.
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Marom
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Panasenko
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Fainman