Systematic variation of parametrically shaped sub-pulse sequences after transmission through a photonic crystal fiber

We present an analytical concept for generating shaped femtosecond laser pulses at the distal end of a microstructured hollow core photonic crystal fiber. The properties of the fiber are analyzed and included in the shaping procedure. A parametric pulse shaping method allows for tailoring a sequence of sub-pulses. In this method, each sub-pulse can be individually controlled by its physically intuitive parameters distance in time, energy, phase and chirps as well as the state of polarization including ellipticity, orientation, and helicity. This is demonstrated with a series of double pulses, in which a single parameter is systematically varied, and additionally with more complex example pulses. Further, we investigate the impact of mechanical distortions of the fiber on the pulse shape. The presented method could be beneficially used in endoscopic applications in life sciences.

Research Highlights
► Shaped femtosecond laser pulses are guided via a photonic crystal fiber.
► The pulses are shaped using analytical parameterization in sub-pulse sequences.
► In these sequences the individual sub pulse parameters are arbitrarily controlled.
► Systematic variations of example pulses demonstrate the capabilities.
► The method facilitates endoscopic application of coherent control in life sciences.