Polarization and energy stability of filamentation-generated few-cycle pulses.
Polarization properties and energy stability are measured for few-cycle pulses that are generated by filamentation in dual Ar-filled tubes in tandem. The dual-tube geometry enhances the contribution of self-phase modulation to spectral broadening. The polarization extinction ratio (I(perpendicular)/I(parallel) is improved for the beam transmitted through the second tube compared to the first tube and of the incident laser beam. Polarization control of few-cycle pulses is realized in simple fashion by a half-wave plate placed prior to the dual-tube assembly. We show that intensity clamping in the filament affords a major advantage in accomplishing a significant reduction in energy fluctuations compared to those inherent in the incident laser beam.
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, 1 Homi Bhabha Road, Mumbai, India.
A K
AK
Dharmadhikari
J A
JA
Dharmadhikari
F A
FA
Rajgara
D
D
Mathur