Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
Transmission of Multiple Signals through an Optical Fiber Using Wavefront Shaping
Published on: March 20, 2017
Propagation of optical pulses with spatial and temporal dependence
Abstract:
A convenient approximate formula is proposed for the study of free-space propagation of spatial and temporal pulses with an identifiable carrier frequency. It does not contain a time derivative operation on the pulse's temporal envelope explicitly. It is shown that once a short (for example, picosecond or subpicosecond) pulse is created with a spatial and a temporal structure, it does not last forever. The approximation discussed is valid over a certain distance as dictated by the wave equation. Beyond this distance, the spatial and temporal characteristics begin to influence each other significantly. Two examples are presented. The first example is that of a pulse with a factored form of a spatial envelope times a temporal envelope. The second example is that of a clear aperture with a grating, by which pulse stretching or temporal distortion is examined and the result is in agreement with that found in the literature.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Propagation Speed of Electromagnetic Waves
01:07Propagation of Waves
Consider a scenario where a wave propagates from a string of low linear mass density to a string of high linear mass density. In such a case, the reflected wave is out of phase with respect to the incident wave, however the...
01:23Propagation of Action Potentials
Neurons (nerve cells) have a resting membrane potential, with a slightly negative charge inside compared to outside. This is maintained by ion channels, such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) channels, which control the flow of ions. When a stimulus, like a touch or a signal from another neuron, triggers the neuron, sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to...