Ultrafast laser pulse characterization by THG d-scan using optically enhanced graphene coatings

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how functionalized graphene can be used to improve ultrafast laser pulse characterization via THG d-scan, maintaining accuracy while enhancing nonlinear response and damage resilience.

Contribution

It introduces a method to functionalize graphene to enhance its nonlinear optical properties for ultrafast pulse measurement.

Findings

Functionalized graphene shows increased nonlinear optical response.

THG d-scan with functionalized graphene accurately characterizes sub-10 fs pulses.

Functionalization does not compromise pulse measurement accuracy.

Abstract

We have successfully functionalized 5 layers of TCVD-grown graphene by photoassisted transfer hydrogenation reaction with formic acid, in order to increase its nonlinear optical response and laser-induced damage resilience. Using the functionalized graphene samples, we were able to fully characterize sub-10 fs ultrashort laser pulses using THG dispersion-scan, with results that are in excellent agreement with the ones obtained with pristine graphene samples.