We have implemented a new approach for measuring the time-dependent intensity and phase of ultrashort optical pulses. It is based on the interaction between shaped pulses and atoms, leading to coherent transients.

The Kerr-lens mode locking stability and the ultrashort pulse characteristics are analyzed numerically for the Cr-doped ZnTe, ZnSe, ZnS active media. The advantages of these materials for the femtosecond lasing within 2-3 µm spectral range are demonstrated.

Ultrashort pulses are shaped by reflection from dynamic volume holograms recorded in azo-dye-doped epoxies. The spectral resolution and controllability of the reflection geometry are optimal for this application.

Contents 1 INTRODUCTION 2 2 Model for numerical simulations of filamentation from orbit 5 2. 5 Conclusions 23 6 Next steps 24 A Full theoretical model of vertical propagation of ultrashort laser pulses 25 A.

In this work, we experimentally investigate several temporal and spectral methods to highlight extreme fluctuations which can develop during the Raman amplification of an ultrashort pulse train. Forward and backward pumping schemes are compared to dual pass configurations.

Ultrashort-pulsed laser direct writing can be useful for a 3D material processing. Especially the localized form-birefringence originated from self-assembled nanostructure in isotropic material (i.e. SiO2 and GeO2 glass) was demonstrated.

Laser pulses with picosecond and femtosecond durations are now indispensable tools in many scientific disciplines. These ultrashort pulses provide unique temporal resolutions for investigations of phenomena taking place in comparable time ranges. In addition, optical energies squeezed into such short time windows yield extremely high peak powers and intensities, paving the way to generate unpre...