Pulse train generation at 209 nm

Abstract

A pulse train generator designed to operate at 209 nm was required for the CLIC test facility (CTF). The function of the generator is to provide, from a single laser pulse produced by the main Nd:YLF laser system, a train of laser pulses. A train of eight laser pulses of equal intensity and separated by a time interval of one 3 GHz period is required in the CTF to produce 30 GHz power for rf structure tests. In this paper some of the types of beam splitting optics which may be used at 209 nm and the generator systems which can be built from them are introduced. A method of setting the time between the pulses to sub-picosecond accuracy is presented. A number of factors which can limit system performance are discussed. Some computational and experimental results are presented.