Scientists at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai have developed an innovative method for accurately measuring ultrahigh power, ultrashort laser pulses, as detailed in the journal Optica. This breakthrough addresses the complex challenges associated with measuring laser pulse temporal shapes, which are particularly distorted when passing through media. Traditional techniques often overlook variations across the beam, yet these distortions become critical at high peak powers.
The TIFR team utilized a specialized instrument employing an optical technique known as spectral interferometry to capture the time profiles of various spatial points within the laser beam simultaneously. This advancement is especially significant as it allows for the measurement of single pulses, contrasting with earlier methods requiring multiple samples to estimate pulse profiles.
As laser technology evolves towards unprecedented peak power levels, TIFR’s method becomes essential not only for measuring the dynamics of reflected light but also for accurately characterizing the distortions introduced by using unstable ionized plasma as optical components. This approach promises to revolutionize the study and application of lasers, enabling precise analysis in systems that exert peak powers in the tens of thousand trillion watts range.
