Phase retrieval and compression of low-power white-light pulses

Abstract

We characterize and compress sub-nJ visible white-light continuum (WLC) pulses generated by self-phase modulation in yttrium aluminium garnet. The spectral phase is retrieved by spectrally resolving the transient reflectivity from an optically excited transition metal oxide. This measured phase is compensated by applying the appropriate distortion to a deformable mirror. By comparing the response of two different materials, we show that the white-light pulses can be compressed to approximately 10 fs duration.