Abstract

We describe a relatively simple way to produce pulse bursts with frequencies around a terahertz. The method here is an optical rattler, operated in an extreme regime.¹ The concept of the optical rattler is several partially reflecting mirrors arranged in a delay line. These mirrors reposition part of the energy in a single pulse into the dark space behind the pulse. Mathematically, each reflectivity provides a degree of freedom and each output pulse amplitude provides a constraint. Consequently, pulse trains—discrete time signals—of any shape may be engineered, even those with abrupt gaps or zeros embedded in them. Our experimental work relies on precisely coated, thin glass substrates. A stack of these has been used to manipulate a 400 fs pulse from a hybridly mode-locked dye laser into pulse bursts and codes with a repetition rate of 600 GHz.

© 1992 Optical Society of America