This book provides an introductory description of mode-locked lasers, the connection between time and frequency descriptions of their output and the physical origins of the electric field dynamics, together with an overview of applications of femtosecond comb technology. Individual chapters go into more detail on mode-locked laser development, spectral broadening in microstructure fiber, optical parametric amplification, optical frequency metrology, optical atomic clocks, ultrasensitive sensors, carrier-envelope phase dynamics, high field ionization of atoms and generation of attosecond high-harmonic radiation.

This introductory description of mode-locked lasers, the connection between time and frequency descriptions of their output and the physical origins of the electric field dynamics, together with an overview of applications of femtosecond comb technology. Individual chapters go into more detail on mode-locked laser development, spectral broadening in microstructure fiber, optical parametric amplification, optical frequency metrology, optical atomic clocks, ultra-sensitive sensors, carrier-envelope phase dynamics, high field ionization of atoms and generation of atto-second high-harmonic radiation. To provide readers with the most recent, direct, and comprehensive information, the chapters are written by the international researchers who have led the development of this field. This book provides an introduction to those new to the field and is at the same time a resource for experts

Femtosecond Laser Development.- Gigahertz Femtosecond Lasers.- Microstructure Fiber and White-light Generation.- Optical Comb Dynamics and Stabilization.- Femtosecond Noncollinear Parametric Amplification and Carrier-Envelope Phase Control.- Optical Frequency Measurement.- Optical Frequency Measurement Using Frequency Multiplication and Frequency Combs.- Femtosecond Lasers for Optical Clocks and Low Noise Frequency Synthesis.- Generation and Measurement of Intense Phase-Controlled Few-Cycle Laser Pulses.- Quantum Control of High-Order Harmonic Generation.- Applications of Ultrafast Lasers.