title: Note: self-characterizing ultrafast pulse shaper for rapid pulse switching.
abstract: We use a high-efficiency acousto-optic modulator at the input to a two-dimensional Fourier-domain pulse shaper to achieve built-in characterization of the shaped output pulses. The acousto-optic modulator directs the beam to different vertical positions on a two-dimensional spatial light modulator, each of which can contain a different pulse shape. The undiffracted portion of the light serves as a reference beam for characterizing the shaped pulse via spectral interferometry. Pulse switching rates of 100 kHz can be achieved, making the device especially useful for quantum-control spectroscopy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics and Astronomy, Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013-2896, USA. pearsonb@dickinson.edu
authors.forename: Brett J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Pearson
authors.forename: Thomas C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Weinacht
mesh_terms: D055615:Electrical Equipment and Supplies; D007368:Interferometry; D008027:Light; D013997:Time Factors