Labroille, GuillaumePinel, OlivierTreps, NicolasJoffre, Manuel2016-05-122016-05-121094-4087http://hdl.handle.net/1885/101218A method for time differentiation based on a Babinet-Soleil-Bravais compensator is introduced. The complex transfer function of the device is measured using polarization spectral interferometry. Time differentiation of both the pulse field and pulse envelope are demonstrated over a spectral width of about 100 THz with a measured overlap with the objective mode greater than 99.8%. This pulse shaping technique is shown to be perfectly suited to time metrology at the quantum limit.This work was supported by Agence Nationale de la Recherche project QUALITIME (ANR- 09-BLAN-0119), European ERC starting grant program Frecquam.© 2013 Optical Society of AmericaKeywords: Birefringent crystals; Complex transfer functions; Pulse envelopes; Pulse shaping techniques; Quantum limit; Quantum metrology; Spectral interferometry; Spectral widths; Optical constants; Optics; Units of measurement2013-07-2510.1364/OE.21.0218892016-06-14