Ultrashort laser pulses (is this the right forum)?

In summary, understanding spectral phase is crucial in the study of ultrashort laser pulses. Some recommended resources include "Ultrafast Optics" by Andrew Weiner, "Spectral phase and pulse shape measurements using nonlinear optics" by Rick Trebino, and "Femtosecond Laser Pulses" by Claude Rullière. These sources can provide a thorough understanding of spectral phase and its relationship to temporal phase and group delay.
  • #1
bman!
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0
hello

im currently trying to learn about ultrashort laser pulses. particularly in the areas of group velocity dispersion etc etc.

now I am pretty happy with the basics. modelocking a laser to give a dirac comb of finite pulse trains etc. I am happy with the mathematical description of an individual pulse as a gaussian amplitude envolpe supported by a carrier frequency (arrives logically from considering beats etc. and extending to a contrinuous range)

however I've just started looking at temporal and spectral phase of the pulse. and then also the related quantities of instantatneous frequency and group delay.

instantaneous frequency is fairly intuitive, and i know given that spectral phase is pretty much the FT counterpart of the temporal phase (give or take) and group delay is the FT equivalent of instantaneous freq. however, I am having trouble conceptually grasping what the spectral phase means. particularly when placed in a taylor expansion. any good book recomendations or something.

cheers
 
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  • #2


Hello, it's great to hear that you are learning about ultrashort laser pulses! It is a fascinating and complex field of study. I can recommend a few resources that may help you better understand the concept of spectral phase and its relationship to temporal phase and group delay.

First, I would recommend the book "Ultrafast Optics" by Andrew Weiner. It provides a thorough and accessible overview of ultrashort laser pulses, including a section on spectral phase and its interpretation.

Another helpful resource is the paper "Spectral phase and pulse shape measurements using nonlinear optics" by Rick Trebino. It explains the fundamental concepts of spectral phase and its measurement using nonlinear optics techniques.

In terms of understanding the taylor expansion of spectral phase, I would recommend "Femtosecond Laser Pulses" by Claude Rullière. It goes into detail about the mathematical description of ultrashort laser pulses, including a section on spectral phase and its taylor expansion.

I hope these resources are helpful to you in your learning journey. Best of luck!
 
  • #3


I am glad to see your interest in ultrashort laser pulses. This forum may not be the most appropriate place for discussing technical details, but I will provide a brief response to your questions.

Ultrashort laser pulses have become an essential tool in many fields of science, including physics, chemistry, biology, and materials science. They offer an extremely short and intense burst of energy that can be used to study ultrafast processes, such as molecular dynamics, chemical reactions, and electronic transitions.

Group velocity dispersion is a phenomenon that occurs when different frequencies of a light pulse travel at different speeds through a medium. This can cause the pulse to broaden and distort, which can be detrimental in applications that require precise temporal control. Understanding and controlling group velocity dispersion is crucial for optimizing the performance of ultrashort laser pulses.

The mathematical description of an ultrashort laser pulse as a Gaussian amplitude envelope supported by a carrier frequency is a useful approximation. However, as you have mentioned, the temporal and spectral phase of the pulse also play important roles. The spectral phase is the phase of the Fourier transform of the pulse's temporal intensity profile. It can affect the pulse's temporal duration and shape, as well as its spectrum. The spectral phase is often described using a Taylor expansion, which allows for a more detailed analysis of how different frequencies contribute to the overall pulse.

I would recommend consulting textbooks or research papers on ultrafast optics for a more in-depth understanding of these concepts. Some popular books in this field include "Ultrafast Optics" by Andrew Weiner and "Ultrashort Laser Pulse Phenomena" by Jean-Claude Diels and Wolfgang Rudolph. Additionally, there are many online resources and tutorials available that can help you further explore this topic.

I hope this response has been helpful in addressing your questions. Keep exploring and learning about ultrashort laser pulses, as they continue to play a significant role in advancing scientific research and technology.
 

1. What are ultrashort laser pulses?

Ultrashort laser pulses are extremely brief bursts of light produced by lasers. They typically last for femtoseconds (10^-15 seconds) or picoseconds (10^-12 seconds) and have a high peak intensity.

2. What are some applications of ultrashort laser pulses?

Ultrashort laser pulses have various applications in scientific research, including studying and manipulating the behavior of atoms and molecules, creating high-resolution images of biological structures, and investigating the properties of materials. They also have practical applications in industries such as telecommunications and medicine.

3. How are ultrashort laser pulses created?

Ultrashort laser pulses are created using specialized laser systems that use techniques such as mode-locking or chirped-pulse amplification. These techniques allow for the generation and amplification of very short pulses of light with high energy and peak intensity.

4. What are the advantages of using ultrashort laser pulses?

The main advantage of using ultrashort laser pulses is their ability to provide very high peak intensities, which can be useful for studying and manipulating matter at the atomic and molecular level. They also have high precision and can produce high-resolution images, making them valuable tools in research and industry.

5. Are there any safety concerns when working with ultrashort laser pulses?

Yes, there are safety concerns when working with ultrashort laser pulses, as they can cause damage to the eyes and skin. It is important to follow proper safety protocols and wear appropriate protective gear when working with these lasers. Additionally, the high energy and intensity of these pulses can also pose a fire hazard, so precautions should be taken to prevent accidents.

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