title: High dynamic range contrast measurements by use of an optical parametric amplifier correlator.
abstract: A new design of pulse-contrast-measuring correlator, based on optical parametric amplification, is presented. It amplifies the wings of the pulse and allows high-contrast measurement with a low-sensitivity detector. The test system demonstrates an ability to measure a dynamic range of >10(11):1.
authors.affiliation: Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire, UK. e.j.divall@rl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Edwin J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Divall
authors.forename: Ian N
authors.initials: IN
authors.lastname: Ross