Experimental characterization of short laser pulses with RMS duration and pulse quality factor

Abstract

We have measured the evolution of the root-mean-square (rms) duration of femtosecond pulses propagating in a dispersive medium (fused silica). Measured rms durations were compared to a theoretical propagation law based on a Pulse Quality Factor. Excellent agreement is found between theory and experiment when rms durations are evaluated with the help of the concept of fractional power.