Optical cross-correlator based on supercontinuum generation.

A novel cross-correlator that can be used for temporal characterization of femtosecond laser pulses has been developed. The correlation trace is obtained by "sampling" the structure of the laser pulse with a single, high-contrast pulse produced through femtosecond white-light generation in a line focus. This correlator has, therefore, fewer "ghosts" than a conventional third-order cross-correlator and it can be used with laser pulses that span across a wide wavelength range. Both scanning and single-shot experimental arrangements are described.