Single-shot phase-sensitive autocorrelator for short-pulse ultraviolet lasers

A single-shot phase sensitive autocorrelator for the characterization of the pulse width and linear chirp coefficient of high intensity, femtosecond ultraviolet lasers is presented. The two photon excited exciton fluorescence of barium fluoride is used as a nonlinear detector. Pulse widths of 210 - 450 fs and the chirp of a subpicosecond KrF excimer laser are measured and shown to agree with an analysis of the laser spectrum.

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