Frequency–time and time–space mappings with broadband and supercontinuum chirped pulses in coherent wave mixing and pump–probe techniques

Broadband and supercontinuum pulses with a linear chirp define a linear transform, mapping the difference between the instantaneous frequencies of pump pulses onto the delay time between these pulses. This delay between the pump pulses can be then mapped onto the spatial coordinate with the use of a broad-beam wave-mixing or pump–probe geometry. The new possibilities offered by these mappings for four-wave-mixing techniques are discussed. The spectral and temporal resolution of chirped-pulse wave-mixing and pump–probe techniques are examined. Single-shot multidimensional wave-mixing techniques using broadband and supercontinuum chirped pulses are discussed. PACS 42.65.Dr; 42.65.An