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Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ page). Below, we have tried to answer the most common questions visitors to this our Web site may have. If you find that your question is not answered on this page, please e-mail us.
Why VideoFROG?
- VideoFROG is about 10X (ten times) faster than its competition. They just try to look quick by updating with pulses that are only partially retrieved! Indeed, we specify algorithm iterations between pulse updates and our competition specifies them in iterations/second.
- If you watch our competitors software react to a step change in the pulse, you can literally watch the pulse change as it converges. VideoFROG reacts to step changes instantaneously.
- VideoFROG uses the proprietary PCGP algorithm for pulse recovery, which is the most robust algorithm for SHG FROG retrieval. Just click here to see a published comparison.
- VideoFROG is the easiest FROG software to use and is ideal for users who are new to pulse measurement. It is literally plug-and-play. An installation wizard guides you through the installation process and software setup.
- VideoFROG is packed with features such as 3D plotting and full spatial mode profiling.
- VideoFROG allows you to access retrieved pulses quickly and efficiently, in real-time, using third party software.
Why do I need to know the pulse chirp? Isn’t an autocorrelation good enough?
Well, I guess if all you need is some high-power, wide bandwidth photon hose, then you could just use a power meter and a spectrometer. BUT, if you want to determine peak intensities, need experimental repeatability, are doing pulse shaping, using nonlinear optics, then you might want to have some idea of the pulse shape and chirp. Also, no form of autocorrelation will provide the pulse shape or the chirp.
What kind of FROG devices can the software be used with?
VideoFROG can be used with any single-shot second harmonic generation (SHG) FROG or single-shot polarization-gate FROG device. A video camera is used for the data collection. Now, we are offering FROG Scan, which uses a scanning multishot geometry. Consequently, it can measure pulses as short as 15 fs or as long as 20 ps. Don’t think it is slow just because it is a scanning system! FROG Scan uses a new high speed translation stage so that it can measure pulses at rates as fast as 4 Hz (32 x 32 grid)!
Will it work with a FROG device I have built?
Certainly; as long as you can use a video camera to collect the FROG trace.
What frame grabber do you use?
VideoFROG is available a firewire based frame grabber. This firewire frame grabber is a color frame that uses 3 8-bit A/Ds. When these A/D’s are combined to form a monochrome image, the result is nearly effectively 9-bits. Starting with Version 7, VideoFROG can be used with several different u-Eye USB cameras (purchased separately).
Are there any commercially available FROG devices you recommend?
Yes, while it may come as no surprise, we recommend our own FROG Scan. It is a nice compromise between versatility and speed. While not as fast, as Swamp Optics GRENOUILLE, (and a bit harder to use, but not much) we feel it is a better value if you need a one-size-fits-all product. The GRENOUILLE by Swamp Optics (www.swampoptics.com) is a nice option too. It’s design is elegant, the quality is excellent, and the sensitivity is absolutely amazing. The price for either system is right too--about the same price as an autocorrelator.
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