State-of-the-Art Diagnostics for the Characterization of Ultrashort Optical Pulses

The accurate characterization of ultra-short optical pulses is essential for ultrafast science and technology, enabling applications such as time-resolved spectroscopy, nonlinear microscopy, high-field physics, and precision laser material processing. As pulse durations shrink and laser systems become more complex, reliable diagnostics are critical for performance optimization, reproducibility, and long-term system stability.

This talk presents an overview of state-of-the-art diagnostics for the characterization of ultra-short optical pulses. Current techniques—including autocorrelation, frequency-resolved optical gating (FROG), spectral phase interferometry for direct electric-field reconstruction (SPIDER), and related methods—will be reviewed with respect to their capabilities, limitations, and typical application domains.

The implementation of these techniques in modern commercial diagnostic setups will be discussed, with a focus on robustness, ease of use, and integration into research and industrial environments. Particular attention will be given to measurement uncertainties, calibration procedures, and traceability, highlighting best practices for achieving reliable and comparable results. Finally, remaining challenges and future trends in ultra-short pulse diagnostics will be outlined, including increasing demands on accuracy, emerging measurement concepts, and the outlook toward standardized ultrafast metrology.

About the presenter
Mateusz Ibek studied Physics at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen–Nürnberg (FAU) and later at the Freie Universität Berlin, where he completed his studies in 2012. He earned his Diploma while working as a research associate at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (electron storage ring BESSY II).

After completing his Diploma thesis, Mateusz began his career at APE as a physics engineer in product development and automation. In 2016, he transitioned into the role of Product Manager for Ultrafast Laser Diagnostics at APE. Since then, he has been involved in the development and marketing of laser diagnostic tools—such as autocorrelators and spectrometers.