Fast-frequency-hopping modulation and detection demonstration

We demonstrate fast-frequency-hopping modulation that exploits the unique f eatures of acousto-optic-modulator based laser pulse shaping and the spectr ally and temporally resolved upconversion technique (STRUT) pulse-character ization method. These pulses have been specifically designed so that they c an be characterized by the STRUT, without any processing of the STRUT data set. We present examples of complex fast-frequency-hopping laser pulses tha t have been generated and characterized by our pulse-shaping system and STR UT. We discuss the theoretical limitations on the data rate that can be obt ained with such a technique. (C) 2001 Optical Society of America.