Synthesis of space-time wave packets using correlated frequency comb and spatial field

Abstract

Shaping transverse degrees of freedom across different temporal frequency spectra has unlocked new possibilities for realizing a wide variety of novel spatiotemporal phenomena. In particular, using the discrete frequencies of optical frequency combs for spatiotemporal synthesis enables precise spatial separation and control of individual spectral lines, thereby facilitating the experimental generation of space-time wave packets (STWPs). This review explores the theoretical investigation and experimental demonstration of versatile STWPs synthesized using correlated frequency comb lines and spatial fields, including the following: (a) STWPs exhibiting dynamic evolution of spatial properties; (b) STWPs with customized group velocities; and (c) longitudinal control over the dynamic evolution of STWPs.