High-dynamic-range single-shot cross-correlator based on an optical pulse replicator.

The operation of a single-shot cross-correlator based on a pulse replicator is described. The correlator uses a discrete sequence of sampling pulses that are nonlinearly mixed with the pulse under test. The combination of a high reflector and partial reflector replicates an optical pulse by multiple internal reflections and generates a sequence of spatially displaced and temporally delayed sampling pulses. This principle is used in a cross-correlator characterizing optical pulses at 1053 nm. A dynamic range higher than 60 dB is obtained over a temporal range larger than 200 ps.