Objective
Due to the extraordinary instantaneous power of femtosecond lasers, the list of their scientific as well as societal applications has been growing at an increasing rate since their invention in the mid-80’s. A real need of the community working with ultrashort lasers is to simultaneously characterize the laser beam structure in space and time, i.e. to measure E(r,t) for femtosecond laser beams. Indeed, the temporal structure of ultrashort laser often depends on space: such beams are said to exhibit spatio-temporal couplings (STC). STC are presently one of the main Achille’s heals of ultrashort lasers, which can considerably degrade their performances. Yet, no commercial instrument neither a research laboratory prototype is available to measure spatio-temporal couplings of ultrashort lasers.
We have recently worked out and patented the principle of a measurement device that provides a simple and efficient solution to this timely problem. This method is called MuFFIn, for Multiple-Fibre Frequency-resolved Interferometer. Based on these innovation breakthroughs, our project aims at bringing spatio-temporal measurements from fundamental research to routine metrology, by providing ultrafast lasers users with a commercial, simple and easy-to-use device to fully characterize these beams.
We apply to the ERC PoC grant to build a prototype of this device, evaluate the potential market for this metrology device, and perform the first steps of technological transfer to an industrial partner specialized in laser beam characterization. A memorandum of Understanding is under negotiation with a potential industrial partner, FATSLITE. This partner is ready to be involved in the definition steps of the device specifications, and then needs a real prototype to evaluate the potential of our technique.
Fields of science
Call for proposal
ERC-2012-PoC
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Funding Scheme
CSA-SA(POC) - Supporting action (Proof of Concept)Host institution
75015 PARIS 15
France