Pulse-to-pulse spectral phase characterization of mid-infrared pulses at megahertz rates

Abstract: Pulse-resolved spectral phase measurement of mid-infrared (MIR) pulses is essential for many applications, from precise waveform control to ultrafast quantum optics. However, conventional MIR pulse characterization techniques are typically limited to sub-kHz-rate operation, leaving a substantial speed mismatch with MIR sources operating at kHz or MHz rates. Here, we introduce time-stretch upconversion-based mid-infrared pulse evaluation (TSUBAME), a technique that enables pulse-to-pulse spectral phase characterization of ultrashort MIR pulses at the laser repetition rate. TSUBAME combines MIR-to-NIR (near-infrared) upconversion, time-stretch, and spectral interferometry to achieve scan-free high-speed spectral phase measurements. We validated the technique by measuring MIR pulses spanning 4.98-5.30 um while introducing well-defined dispersion, obtaining excellent agreement with theoretical predictions. Operating at a measurement rate of 1 MHz, TSUBAME achieves the fastest single-pulse-resolved spectral phase characterization of MIR pulses reported to date. As a further demonstration, we captured dynamic spectral phase variations on a microsecond timescale. TSUBAME provides a powerful tool for real-time monitoring and optimization of high-repetition-rate MIR pulses, with potential applications in strong-field physics, high-harmonic generation, and coherent molecular control.