Using multiple temporally-overlapped, frequency offset and phase-tuned, linear frequency chirps, a new method of multi-GHz optical coherent transient optical pulse shaping and processing in inhomogeneously broadened rare-earth doped crystals is proposed. Using this technique with properly chirped laser sources, multi-GHz processing can be controlled with conventional low-bandwidth electronics a...

2.4. 2.5. 2.6. Pulse shaping by linear filtering Picosecond pulse shaping Fourier synthesis of femtosecond optical waveforms 2.3.1. Fixed masks fabricated using microlithography 2.3.2. Spatial light modulators (SLMs) for programmable pulse shaping 2.3.2.1. Pulse shaping using liquid crystal modulator arrays 2.3.2.2. Pulse shaping using acousto-optic deflectors 2.3.3. Movable and deformable mirr...

Mode-locked vertical-cavity lasers have a large cross-sectional area and consequently a large saturation energy and large peak powers. We analyze excess optical bandwidth generation in these lasers and find that self-phase modulation due to optical pumping and gain saturation is the dominant factor in inducing laser pulse chirping. The large magnitude of the chirp makes intracavity prism-pair c...

The authors demonstrate the use of time-division multiplexing (TDM) to realize a high capacity optical star network. The fundamental element of the demonstration network is a 10 ps, wavelength tunable, low jitter, pulse source. Electrical data is encoded onto three optical pulse trains, and the resultant low duty cycle optical data channels are multiplexed together using 25 ps fiber delay lines...

We propose a simple means for compressing optical pulses with second-harmonic generation. Aperiodic quasi-phase-matching gratings impart a frequency-dependent phase shift on the second-harmonic pulse relative to the fundamental pulse and can be engineered to correct for arbitrary phase distortions. The mechanism is discussed, and a detailed analysis of the compression of quadratic phase (linear...

Optimised compression of femtosecond fibre laser pulses in highly nonlinear fibre is demonstrated. Specifically reported are compressed pulse durations below 30 fs using a simple setup where a single sub10 cm segment of highly nonlinear fibre is directly spliced to the output pigtail of a commercial femtosecond fibre laser. The compressed pulse quality is confirmed through frequency resolved op...