Accessible interferometric autocorrelator for noise-like pulses based on a Fabry-Perot cavity

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Fiber Laser Technology
• Interferometry

Background:

• Characterizing complex dynamic pulses is crucial for advanced optical systems.
• Conventional autocorrelator schemes can be bulky and difficult to align.
• Noise-like pulses (NLPs) exhibit unique autocorrelation features requiring specialized measurement techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally develop a Fabry-Perot fiber optic interferometer for pulse autocorrelation measurement.
• To apply the developed interferometer to measure complex dynamic pulses from a figure-eight fiber laser.
• To demonstrate the accuracy and advantages of the Fabry-Perot design compared to traditional methods.

Main Methods:

• Designed and constructed a Fabry-Perot fiber optic interferometer utilizing two parallel, partially reflecting surfaces.
• Employed the interferometer to measure the autocorrelation of noise-like pulses (NLPs) generated by a figure-eight fiber laser.
• Compared the measurement results with those obtained from a conventional Michelson interferometer-based autocorrelator.

Main Results:

• The Fabry-Perot interferometer successfully measured the autocorrelation of complex dynamic pulses.
• The obtained autocorrelation trace showed a double-scaled structure characteristic of NLPs, with a 100 fs coherence spur and a 120 ps broad pedestal.
• Experimental validation confirmed accurate measurements, comparable to a Michelson interferometer setup.

Conclusions:

• The developed Fabry-Perot fiber optic interferometer is an effective tool for measuring the autocorrelation of complex dynamic pulses, particularly NLPs.
• This compact and easily aligned device offers significant advantages over conventional autocorrelator schemes.
• The findings pave the way for more accessible and efficient characterization of advanced fiber laser outputs.