title: Extended ABCD matrix formalism for the description of femtosecond diffraction patterns; application to femtosecond digital in-line holography with anamorphic optical systems.
abstract: We present a new model to predict diffraction patterns of femtosecond pulses through complex optical systems. The model is based on the extension of an ABCD matrix formalism combined with generalized Huygens-Fresnel transforms (already used in the CW regime) to the femtosecond regime. The model is tested to describe femtosecond digital in-line holography experiments realized in situ through a cylindrical Plexiglas pipe. The model allows us to establish analytical relations that link the holographic reconstruction process to the experimental parameters of the pipe and of the incident beam itself. Simulations and experimental results are in good concordance. Femtosecond digital in-line holography is shown to allow significant coherent noise reduction, and this model will be particularly efficient to describe a wide range of optical geometries. More generally, the model developed can be easily used in any experiment where the knowledge of the precise evolution of femtosecond transverse patterns is required.
authors.affiliation: Departement d’Optique et Laser, UMR CNRS 6614 CORIA, Saint-Etienne du Rouvray cedex, France. marc.brunel@coria.fr
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brunel
authors.forename: Huanhuan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.forename: Sebastien
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Coetmellec
authors.forename: Denis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lebrun
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D006696:Holography; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D055096:Optical Devices; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted