Generation of programmable, picosecond-resolution shaped laser pulses by fiber-grating pulse compression

We demonstrate that fiber-optic compression can be sufficiently well characterized to permit generation of an arbitrarily shaped, 1-psec-resolution laser pulse from a predistorted, much longer pulse. Coupled with our previously demonstrated capability to generate an arbitrary shape with 10-psec resolution and software control, this technique provides significant advantages over conventional mode-locked, cavity-dumped, synchronously pumped laser systems.