Spectral phase and amplitude interferometry for direct electric-field reconstruction

Abstract

An extension of the well-known technique for spectral phase interferometry for direct electric-field reconstruction (SPIDER) has been developed that permits the reconstruction of the spectral amplitude and the spectral phase of ultrashort laser pulses from the acquisition of only one spectrum. Temporal intensity and temporal phase can therefore easily be retrieved. The characterization of pulses from a Ti:sapphire oscillator by use of an extended SPIDER is discussed. Advantages and drawbacks of the modified technique are also discussed.