Space-Time Analogies in Optics

Abstract

The so-called space-timeanalogy constitutes a source of inspiration to understand, engineer, and implement new systems for ultrafast optical signal processing based on concepts borrowed from the well-established field of Fourier Optics. In this review, we start by describing in a comprehensive manner the most basic notions of this analogy and discuss some recent developments with state-of-the-art technology, including the silicon-chip-based time lens and ultra-dispersive Raman devices, among others. Apart from the applications in optical communications, special emphasis is paid on the collateral benefits that the “ultra” appellative brings in fields as diverse as optical frequency comb generation, arbitrary waveform generation, optical coherence tomography, sensors, imaging, or quantum information processing.