Open AccessInfrared generation by filamentation in air of a spectrally shaped laser beam
Author(s) -
Philippe Lassonde,
F. Théberge,
S. Payeur,
Marc Châteauneuf,
Jacques Dubois,
JeanClaude Kieffer
Publication year - 2011
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.19.014093
Subject(s) - filamentation , optics , femtosecond , laser , pulse shaping , infrared , beam (structure) , materials science , protein filament , femtosecond pulse shaping , physics , composite material
We demonstrated the generation of infrared radiation by filamentation of a spectrally shaped femtosecond laser beam. The spectrum is divided in two distinctive parts using an acousto-optic programmable dispersive filter (AOPDF) as a pulse shaper, resulting in two pulses of different colors. One pulse is frequency doubled and the beams are then focused to produce an optical filament. Efficient infrared generation occurred in the filament zone through the four-wave mixing interaction. This in-line setup allowed perfect spatial overlap of the pulses, fine control of the relative delay and the remote control of the infrared spectral distribution through spectral shaping of the initial femtosecond laser beam via the AOPDF.