title: Wide spectral range third-order autocorrelator based on ultrafast nonresonant nonlinear refraction.
abstract: We demonstrate a simple scheme for a wide spectral range, third-order autocorrelator based on ultrafast nonlinear Kerr-type refraction. The technique was successfully used to characterize high-energy ultrashort pulses at 1550 and 1300 nm, where the pulse's shape and width are two of the most critical parameters. Because of its simplicity, this technique is also a powerful tool for the optimization of high-power chirped-pulse amplified laser systems, in which slight misalignment of the stretcher-compressor gratings can lead to spatiotemporal pulse distortions. In addition, it can be extended to low-power mode-locked oscillators.
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 10 King's College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G4, Canada. a.major@utoronto.ca
authors.forename: Arkady
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Major
authors.forename: Fumiyo
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Yoshino
authors.forename: J Stewart
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Aitchison
authors.forename: Peter W E
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Smith