Self-referencing of optical frequency combs

The authors have experimentally demonstrated a novel method that allows for generating a self-referenced pulse train with identical electric field structure of the individual pulses. This method does not require any intervention into the laser, neither are complicated servo electronics required. This method is readily applicable to any type of mode-locked laser, with the measurability of the carrier envelope frequency being the only prerequisite. It is believed that self-referencing greatly simplifies carrier envelope phase stabilization for future applications, in particular when it comes to long-term locking of laser systems.