Microwave-range determination of the autocorrelation function of the intensity of ultrashort light pulses

A new method for determination of the autocorrelation function of the intensity of ultrashort laser pulses is proposed and implemented. The method is based on measurement of this function in the microwave range. The use of microwave radiation extends the spectral limits of the correlation method to the VUV and IR parts of the spectrum. The method can be used in those cases when the mechanism of second-harmonic generation is inoperative or inefficient.