Noise-like pulses: stabilization, production, and application

Various aspects are analyzed, which are related to the generation of unusual laser pulses with stochastic internal structure known as noise-like pulses. A new mechanism of their stabilization is proposed on the basis of an analogy between a noise-like pulse and a drop of soliton liquid. The properties of noise-like pulses are considered. It is further noted that these pulses are more and more used in a number of applications (supercontinuum generation, industrial processing, medical treatment, etc.). The causes of low coherence of noise-like pulses are identified. A method of coherence degree measurement relying on the autocorrelation function of these pulses is discussed. The most promising configurations for generation of noise-like pulses are provided.