Abstract
Modelling and analysis have been performed to show a link between laser collimation tolerances and dispersion effects in chirped pulse amplification (CPA) compressors. These show that an un-collimated beam can present itself as residual dispersion in a CPA system which uncorrected will have adverse effects on laser power and intensity. The techniques of shearing interferometry and beam propagation over large distances for setting beam collimation have been assessed for their limitations in measuring wavefront radii. An analysis of the sensitivity of CPA systems to non-collimated beams has been studied. This effect has been practically demonstrated for a high-power Nd:glass laser and the best techniques for alignment are discussed.
Highlights
The technique of chirped pulsed amplification (CPA) has been established for many years as a means of producing the highest peak power lasers [1]
Modelling and analysis have been performed to show a link between laser collimation tolerances and dispersion effects in chirped pulse amplification (CPA) compressors
We present models of the two Vulcan single pass compressor CPA beamlines to demonstrate the effect of collimation errors on compressed pulse duration
Summary
The technique of chirped pulsed amplification (CPA) has been established for many years as a means of producing the highest peak power lasers [1]. A CPA system consists of a stretcher that introduces wavelength-dependent delays to the spectral components of a short pulse (typically \1ps), to produce a long pulse ( $ 1 À 3 ns) for the purposes of amplification to higher energy, avoiding non-linear optical effects due to intensity. This amplified beam is re-compressed to produce a short high-power laser pulse.
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