Autocorrelation measurement of an ultra-short optical pulse using an electrically focus-tunable lens

In this communication, a novel technique to measure the temporal width of an ultra-short optical pulse using an electrically focus-tunable lens (EFTL) is proposed and implemented (no need for a mechanical translation stage). The principle is based on the time delay experienced by the pulse when it passes through the deformed membrane of the EFTL as the focal length changes by an applied current. The resolution of the system is approximately 0.23 fs, with a total time delay of 0.69 ps. A typical autocorrelation can be performed in less than 5 s with an excellent Signal to Noise Ratio. The same technique can be implemented to study ultrafast phenomena like electronic relaxation or ultrafast fluorescence in a pump-probe configuration.