DIN 58175-2:2013-07

This standard specifies the test methods for the determination of the autocorrelation function for ultrashort pulses. This standard addresses the measurement of the temporal characteristics of ultrashort laser pulses, that is, a possible transverse structure of the electric field is ignored. This restriction appears acceptable for a range of practically relevant ultrashort laser pulses because the beam can often be regarded as nearly homogeneous with respect to its spectral and temporal properties. Furthermore, many applications are not sensitive against a transverse structure because averaging over the beam diameter automatically takes place due to the specific arrangement. The autocorrelation technique can be used in all cases where a direct measurement of the temporal behaviour of ultrashort laser pulses is not possible due to their short duration and the substantially longer response times of electronic detector systems. Practical prerequisites are the availability of a suitable non-linear effect and a suitable detector in the relevant wavelength range. More complex measuring techniques that provide additional information allow for the determination of the actual pulse duration under certain conditions. These techniques, however, are beyond the scope of this standard.