Optical modification of nonlinear crystals for quasi-parametric chirped-pulse amplification

Abstract

Quasi-parametric chirped-pulse amplification (QPCPA), which features a theoretical peak power much higher than those obtained with Ti:sapphire laser or optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification, is promising for future ultra-intense lasers. The doped rare-earth ion used for idler dissipation is critical for effective QPCPA, but is usually not compatible with traditional crystals. Thus far, only one dissipative crystal of Sm3+-doped yttrium calcium oxyborate has been grown and applied. Here we introduce optical means to modify traditional crystals for QPCPA applications. We theoretically demonstrate two dissipation schemes by idler frequency doubling and sum-frequency generation with an additional laser. In contrast to absorption dissipation, the proposed nonlinear dissipations ensure not only high signal efficiency but also high small-signal gain. The demonstrated ability to optically modify crystals will facilitate the wide application of QPCPA.