Dual Chirped Mirrors for Dispersion Compensation Application Setup

The Dual Chirped Mirrors for Dispersion Compensation setup is a compact, high-efficiency optical system designed to reverse pulse broadening in ultrafast laser systems. It is an easy-to-use compensation system that minimizes induced third order dispersion and demonstrates performance invariant of laser polarization.

When light propagates through various media, the spectral components that make up the pulse do not propagate at the same speed, causing Group Delay Dispersion (GDD). Utilizing a matched pair of chirped mirrors, this configuration enables precise control of negative GDD through multi-bounce reflection. Each bounce off the mirror surface introduces –45 fs² of GDD at 800 nm, allowing users to fine-tune dispersion compensation for sub-10 fs pulses. The system is optimized for minimal footprint using Newport’s patented clear quadrant mounts. This system can be used with a pair of optical wedges that provide a variable amount of positive GDD or be used in conjunction with an input that has already propagated through optical media, for the goal of compressing the width of a laser pulse and achieving a net zero GDD value.