Open AccessPolarization and energy stability of filamentation-generated few-cycle pulses
Author(s) -
A. K. Dharmadhikari,
J. A. Dharmadhikari,
F. A. Rajgara,
D. Mathur
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.16.007083
Subject(s) - filamentation , optics , clamping , laser , polarization (electrochemistry) , materials science , radial polarization , extinction ratio , beam (structure) , self phase modulation , laser beam quality , wavelength , physics , nonlinear optics , laser beams , mechanical engineering , chemistry , engineering
Polarization properties and energy stability are measured for few-cycle pulses that are generated by filamentation in dual Ar-filled tubes in tandem. The dual-tube geometry enhances the contribution of self-phase modulation to spectral broadening. The polarization extinction ratio (I(perpendicular)/I(parallel) is improved for the beam transmitted through the second tube compared to the first tube and of the incident laser beam. Polarization control of few-cycle pulses is realized in simple fashion by a half-wave plate placed prior to the dual-tube assembly. We show that intensity clamping in the filament affords a major advantage in accomplishing a significant reduction in energy fluctuations compared to those inherent in the incident laser beam.