High-power neodymium phosphate glass laser for experiments on the interaction of ultrahigh optical fields with matter

Abstract

Preliminary results are reported on the development of a high-power neodymium phosphate glass (λ = 1.053 μm) laser system designed for experiments on the interaction of picosecond pulses with matter. The system comprises a laser oscillator with negative feedback, a Q-switched preamplifier, and a multistage amplifying channel. Amplification of chirped pulses is followed by their compression in the system. The results of experiments on the interaction of high-intensity (I < 1015 W cm-2) laser radiation pulses of different duration with targets in a vacuum chamber are reported. The characteristics of a laser plasma formed in this way are also reported.