Generation of single picosecond and subpicosecond light pulses

Abstract

Picosecond light pulses passing through a saturable absorber show considerable pulse shortening. For instance, under special favorable conditions the pulse duration was found to be reduced from 8 to 2. 6 psec in a single transit. Using a multiple-absorber-amplifier system, light pulses were shortened from 8 to 0. 7 psec in five transits. The shortest pulse seen in our experiments had a duration of less than 0. 5 psec. Calculations based on a two-level approximation of the absorbing medium agreed well with the experimental results. © 1972 The American Institute of Physics.