Spectral interferometry for the characterization of ultra-short light pulses: SPIRIT Wideband

Recent developments in femtosecond Optics and applications have fostered deep interest on characterization of ultra-short pulses. Unlike iterative methods, spectral shearing interferometry provides complete real-time information of ultra-short optical signals. Spectral interferometry resolved in time (SPIRIT) is a passive and self-referenced characterization technique that has shown to be suitable for a variety of pulse conditions. SPIRIT Wideband represents a novel configuration aimed for the measurement of a few optical cycle pulses. We present the experimental scheme of SPIRIT Wideband and report preliminary experimental results dealing with the characterization of a few femtosecond pulses.