QuickFrog Software

QuickFrog is a new (2004) program that runs the FROG algorithm in real time. QuickFrog is specially designed to work with Swamp Optics' GRENOUILLE devices. GRENOUILLE devices are single-shot SHG FROG devices (however, QuickFrog easily works with custom single-shot FROG devices, as well).

Download a QuickFrog demo version.

QuickFrog connects with a framegrabber (included with the program) that continuously reads data from the GRENOUILLE camera. The pulse-retrieval algorithm runs in real time, meaning that you know the parameters of your laser beam at a glance! Also, one can watch the FROG trace as you tune the laser, and tweak for shortest length, narrowest bandwidth, lowest time-bandwidth product, etc.

QuickFrog operates in two modes. In Time Mode, the data is conditioned for FROG pulse retrieval and the algorithms operate continuously on the data. You can see the program's, Time Mode here (click to see a full-size version):

The measured trace is seen in the upper left-hand window. The trace retrieved by the algorithm is in the lower left. The pulse intensity and phase are shown as a function of both time and wavelength. The results are published to a panel on the lower right. The upper panel allows control over the functioning of the program: the data acquisition and algorithm can be independently paused, the saturation level on the camera can be checked, and the center wavelength of the camera can be changed here. One can also select the grid size to be used for the retrieval, select the region of the camera data to use, change the calibrations of the camera, enable background subtraction and single-shot mode, etc.

In Space Mode, the FROG algorithms are disables and simple spatial profiling is available. This mode is used for aligning the GRENOUILLE device, as well as for obtaining basic information about the spatial profile of the pulse. For sophisticated spatial profiling, try Spiricon's products. Space mode is shown here:

In this mode the data from the camera appears without modification on the screen. Space Mode has three sub modes: in alignment mode, where a bulls eye appears over the main window (used to align the GRENOUILLE device), and in blank mode (no decorations on the main window), the two side windows show the "marginals" (summation across the image) of the main image. In slice mode the user can position the cursor and see slices through the image in the two side windows.

You can see more discussion of QuickFrog at http://www.swampoptics.com/products_femtosoft.htm.

Also see the feature comparison with other Femtosoft FROG software.

There is also a narrated PowerPoint presentation that you can listen to. There's a little bit of static on the audio, but please bear with it.

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