Polarization-independent parametric time magnifier based on four-wave mixing.

ABSTRACT

A time magnifier based on space-time duality has demonstrated comprehensive applications owing to its promising temporal resolution. However, conventional parametric time magnifiers are inherently polarization-sensitive; their output intensity depends not only on the intensity but also the polarization of signal under test (SUT). Therefore, they are mainly applied to SUT with fixed polarization. On the other hand, many complex optical signals exhibit simultaneous intensity and polarization dynamics. In this Letter, a polarization-independent (PI) time magnifier at 485-fs temporal resolution is first demonstrated, which provides accurate intensity information even for polarization-related signals. The PI time magnifier de-convolves intensity and polarization information. It, therefore, paves the way for in-depth analysis of various complex ultrafast phenomena involving simultaneous intensity and polarization dynamics such as rogue waves and vector solitons.