title: Pulse compression with time-domain optimized chirped mirrors.
abstract: Dispersive optical interference coatings (chirped mirrors - CMs) are designed by computer optimization of an analytically calculated initial multilayer. Traditionally, the relevant properties of the CM (reflectance and the frequency-dependence of the phase shift upon reflection) are optimized to match frequency-domain targets. We propose a novel target function that quantifies directly the capability of a multilayer to control the temporal shape of the reflected optical pulse. Employing this time-domain analysis/optimization one can design dispersive multilayers having air as medium of incidence and supporting the generation of pulses with durations in the sub-5-fs-range, as demonstrated in a proof-of-principle compression experiment.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dombi
authors.forename: V S
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Yakovlev
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: O'Keeffe
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fuji
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lezius
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tempea