We solve the problem of single-shot complete temporal measurement of continuum using cross-correlation frequency-resolved optical gating, achieving the necessary large spectral range using a polarization-gating geometry and the necessary large temporal range by significantly tilting the reference pulse. In addition, we simultaneously cancel the previously unavoidable longitudinal geometrical temporal smearing by using a carefully chosen combination of pulse tilt and beam-crossing angle, thus simultaneously achieving the required temporal resolution. The result is that we are able to make a complete measurement of an individual complex continuum pulse generated in photonic-crystal fiber. By enabling measurement of single optical rogue waves, this technique could provide insight and perhaps even lead to the prediction of when mathematically similar, destructive, oceanic rogue waves may occur.

Date Published: 9 March 2016
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 9732, Real-time Measurements, Rogue Events, and Emerging Applications, 973209 (9 March 2016); doi: 10.1117/12.2211225

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9732:
Real-time Measurements, Rogue Events, and Emerging Applications
Bahram Jalali; Sergei K. Turitsyn; Daniel R. Solli; John M. Dudley, Editor(s)