Simple linear technique for the measurement of space–time coupling in ultrashort optical pulses

We demonstrate a simple sensitive linear technique that quantifies the spatiotemporal coupling in the electric field of an ultrashort optical pulse. The space-time uniformity of the field can be determined with only time-stationary filters and square-law integrating detectors, even if it is impossible to measure the temporal electric field in this way. A degree of spatiotemporal uniformity is defined and can be used with the demonstrated diagnostic to quantify space-time coupling. Experimental measurements of space-time coupling due to linear and nonlinear focusing, refraction, and diffraction are presented.