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Frequency-domain ultrafast coherent multidimensional spectroscopy has made possible a family of fully coherent spectroscopies that can create and interrogate characteristic superpositions of the quantum-mechanical states of a system under investigation. Typical applications include the resolution of couplings and dynamics among multiple electronic states in atoms, molecules, and materials. These methods require scanning the wavelengths of multiple, ultrafast light sources—often optical parametric amplifiers (OPAs). Spectral calibration of the OPA output (a.k.a. wavelength-tuning) involves optimizing the OPA output intensity by adjusting the angles of its component nonlinear crystals and motorized delay stages. When the spectral range addressed in the experiment is large, optimization and control of the one or more OPAs become complex. This work describes an automated calibration strategy that measures the multidimensional configuration-space of a typical 800-nm OPA over all angular and delay degrees-of-freedom in order to create a global tuning curve that spans its dynamic spectral range with optimal power and smooth interpolation. To accomplish this task, the optimization assesses the wavelength-dependent variations to the temporal and spatial characteristics of the OPA output caused by material dispersion so that compensations may be applied during a wavelength scan.
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Calibration of liquid crystal variable retarders using a common-path interferometer and fit of a closed-form expression for the retardance curve
A liquid crystal variable retarder (LCVR) enables fast, automated control of retardance that can be used as a variable waveplate in polarimetric instruments. However, precise control of the polarization state requires calibration of the LCVR. A manufacturer calibration curve is typically supplied for a single specific wavelength and temperature, but for applications under different conditions, additional calibration is needed. Calibration is typically performed with crossed polarizers to generate an intensity curve that is converted to retardance, but this method is prone to noise when retardance is close to zero. Here, we demonstrate a simple common-path Sagnac interferometer to measure retardance and provide open source software for automated generation of calibration curves for retardance as a function of wavelength and voltage. We also provide a curve fitting method and closed-form functional representation that outputs the voltage needed to achieve a desired retardance given a specified wavelength.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1845801
- PAR ID:
- 10372117
- Publisher / Repository:
- Optical Society of America
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Applied Optics
- Volume:
- 59
- Issue:
- 34
- ISSN:
- 1559-128X; APOPAI
- Format(s):
- Medium: X Size: Article No. 10673
- Size(s):
- Article No. 10673
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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