We present a collimation technique based on a double grating system to locate with high accuracy an emitter in the focal plane of a lens. Talbot self-images are projected onto the second grating producing moiré interferences. By means of two photodetectors positioned just behind the second grating, it is possible to determine the optimal position of the light source for collimation by measuring the phase shift between the signals over the two photodetectors. We obtain mathematical expressions of the signal in terms of defocus. This allows us to perform an automated technique for collimation. In addition, a simple and accurate visual criterion for collimating a light source using a lens is proposed. Experimental results that corroborate the proposed technique are also presented.

We demonstrate a novel dispersion-scan (d-scan) scheme for single-shot temporal characterization of ultrashort laser pulses. The novelty of this method relies on the use of a highly dispersive crystal featuring antiparallel nonlinear domains with a random distribution and size. This crystal, capable of generating a transverse second-harmonic signal, acts simultaneously as the dispersive element and the nonlinear medium of the d-scan device. The resulting in-line architecture makes the technique very simple and robust, allowing the acquisition of single-shot d-scan traces in real time. The retrieved pulses are in very good agreement with independent frequency-resolved optical grating measurements. We also apply the new single-shot d-scan to a terawatt-class laser equipped with a programmable pulse shaper, obtaining an excellent agreement between the applied and the d-scan retrieved dispersions.

a b s t r a c tSteel tape is used in optical applications due to its mechanical properties. However, roughness of steel surfaces affects to wave propagation. The effect can be observed using diffraction gratings with low periods. In such a case, self-images of the grating appear at certain periodic distances from the grating (Talbot planes). When standard steel is used, the contrast of Talbot self-images strongly decreases with the distance from the grating. In this work, we prove that controlling the surface quality of steel, it is possible to improve its optical behavior and, as a consequence, high quality surface steel represents a good choice for diffractive optics when the use of chrome-on-glass masks is not indicated. As an example, we have manufactured a diffraction grating over a high quality steel surface by means of an ablation process with a nanosecond pulsed laser. The contrast of the self-images for these gratings decreases very slowly with the distance, in comparison with the self-images obtained with standard steel tape gratings.

We present a model to determine the far-field diffraction pattern of a metallic cylinder of infinite length when it is illuminated in oblique incidence. This model is based on the Helmholtz-Kirchhoff integral using the Beckmann conditions for reflection. It considers the three-dimensional nature of the diffracting object as well as the material of which the cylinder is made. This model shows that the diffraction orders are placed in a cone of light. The amplitude at the far field can be divided into three terms: the first term accounts for Babinet's principle, that is, the contribution of the cylinder projection; the second term accounts for the three dimensionality of the cylinder; and the third term accounts for the material of which the cylinder is made. This model is applied to the diameter estimation of the cylinder. Since the amplitude of the Babinet contribution is much larger than the light reflected by the surface, the cylinder diameter can be obtained in a simple way. With this approximation, the locations of the diffraction minima do not vary when the cylinder is inclined. On the other hand, when the reflected light is considered the location of the minima and, hence, the estimation of the diameter, varies. Also, a modification of the diffraction minima is produced by the material of which the cylinder is made. Experimental results are also obtained that corroborate the theoretical approach.

We report a simple method for supercontinuum generation. The set-up consists of an Er-doped mode-locked fibre laser, used as seed, and a highly nonlinear fibre with zero dispersion at 1550 nm. Thus, all the components are easily attainable. With this novel system the requirements in terms of control of dispersion are reduced. In addition, the spectral width is optimized using fibres with positive and negative dispersion. The supercontinuum emission is characterized by means of an Optical Spectrum Analyser and a PbS photodetector, showing an octave-spanning spectral width, with a flat profile from 1100 nm up to 2100 nm. Compared to other supercontinuum sources, this new proposal results in a very competitive and attainable system, particularly in the 1500-2100 nm region.