title: Basic diffraction phenomena in time domain.
abstract: Using a recently developed technique (SEA TADPOLE) for easily measuring the complete spatiotemporal electric field of light pulses with micrometer spatial and femtosecond temporal resolution, we directly demonstrate the formation of theo-called boundary diffraction wave and Arago's spot after an aperture, as well as the superluminal propagation of the spot. Our spatiotemporally resolved measurements beautifully confirm the time-domain treatment of diffraction. Also they prove very useful for modern physical optics, especially in micro- and meso-optics, and also significantly aid in the understanding of diffraction phenomena in general.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, 142 Riia St, Tartu, 51014, Estonia.
authors.forename: Peeter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Saari
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bowlan
authors.forename: Heli
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Valtna-Lukner
authors.forename: Madis
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lõhmus
authors.forename: Peeter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Piksarv
authors.forename: Rick
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Trebino
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012031:Refractometry / Q000379:methods*; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D013997:Time Factors