Characterization of ultrashort DUV pulses

Our unique light source which provides high-energy ultrashort DUV pulses at a low repetition rate requires different features for pulse characterization than a standard short-pulse laser system. For optimal characterization of our light source the following features are important:

• amplitude and phase information,
• single-shot operation,
• high sensitivity,
• capability of measuring sub-10 fs DUV pulses.

These requirements are best fulfilled by an all-reflective single-shot transient grating (TG) FROG arrangement (see figure), because

• it provides both amplitude and phase information of the pulse,
• it does not involve frequency conversion (like SHG FROG or SPIDER), therefore it is applicable in the DUV,
• it does not contain transmissive components which would introduce group-velocity dispersion (which is especially high in the UV) thus substantially distorting the pulse,
• the TG arrangement provides background-free operation and full phase matching for maximal sensitivity,
• it provides a closely uniform spectral response, which is important for the characterization of very short (few-cycle) pulses.

Further information:
          T. Nagy, P. Simon:
          Single-shot TG FROG for the characterization of ultrashort DUV pulses
          Opt. Express 17, 8144 (2009)