Nonlinear optics
Nonlinear optical phenomena are exploited in an increasing number of applications, ranging from microscopy to supercontinuum generation.
Nonlinear optical effects require high optical intensity. Ultrashort pulses are the ideal tool for nonlinear optics as peak intensity is directly related to pulse duration and pulse energy.
While femtosecond pulses produced by DIADEM, ALTAIR or ALCOR provide enhanced nonlinear effects, picosecond pulses produced by SIRIUS or ANTARES offer a combination of high pulse intensity and higher coherence, which may benefit some applications.