Noise-immune statistical cross-correlation technique for precision timing measurement using mode-locked fiber laser pulses

Summary form only given. Interferometric cross-correlation techniques have been used for timing measurement of ultra-fast optical pulses beyond the bandwidth of electronics. However, the technique uses either heterodyne detection or length control for stabilization of a fiber-optic interferometer. In this paper, we utilize the property of rapid timing jitter in a high-speed mode-locked fiber laser to demonstrate a cross-correlation technique capable of measuring the pulse timing within picosecond resolution using a fiber optic interferometer without stabilization control.