title: Observation of laser pulse propagation in optical fibers with a SPAD camera.
abstract: Recording processes and events that occur on sub-nanosecond timescales poses a difficult challenge. Conventional ultrafast imaging techniques often rely on long data collection times, which can be due to limited device sensitivity and/or the requirement of scanning the detection system to form an image. In this work, we use a single-photon avalanche detector array camera with pico-second timing accuracy to detect photons scattered by the cladding in optical fibers. We use this method to film supercontinuum generation and track a GHz pulse train in optical fibers. We also show how the limited spatial resolution of the array can be improved with computational imaging. The single-photon sensitivity of the camera and the absence of scanning the detection system results in short total acquisition times, as low as a few seconds depending on light levels. Our results allow us to calculate the group index of different wavelength bands within the supercontinuum generation process. This technology can be applied to a range of applications, e.g., the characterization of ultrafast processes, time-resolved fluorescence imaging, three-dimensional depth imaging, and tracking hidden objects around a corner.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Warburton
authors.affiliation: Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.|Center for Relativistic Laser Science, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Constantin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Aniculaesei
authors.affiliation: Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.|School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8LT, UK.
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Clerici
authors.affiliation: Institute of Sensors, Signals and Systems, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
authors.forename: Yoann
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Altmann
authors.affiliation: Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
authors.forename: Genevieve
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gariepy
authors.affiliation: Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: McCracken
authors.affiliation: Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
authors.forename: Derryck
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.affiliation: Institute of Sensors, Signals and Systems, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McLaughlin
authors.affiliation: Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ Hampshire.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Petrovich
authors.affiliation: Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ Hampshire.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.affiliation: Institute for Micro and Nano Systems, University of Edinburgh, Alexander Crum Brown Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UK.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Henderson
authors.affiliation: Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Faccio
authors.affiliation: Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Leach