Trends in ultrashort and ultrahigh power laser pulses based on optical parametric chirped pulse amplification**Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 61378030 and 11127901), the National Basic Research Program of China(Grant No. 2011CB808101), and the International S&T Cooperation Program of China (Grant No. 2011DFA11300).

Abstract

Since the proof-of-principle demonstration of optical parametric amplification to efficiently amplify chirped laser pulses in 1992, optical parametric chirped pulse amplification (OPCPA) became the most promising method for the amplification of broadband optical pulses. In the meantime, we are witnessing an exciting progress in the development of powerful and ultrashort pulse laser systems that employ chirped pulse parametric amplifiers. The output power and pulse duration of these systems have ranged from a few gigawatts to hundreds of terawatts with a potential of tens of petawatts power level. Meanwhile, the output pulse duration based on optical parametric amplification has entered the range of few-optical-cycle field. In this paper, we overview the basic principles, trends in development, and current state of the ultrashort and laser systems based on OPCPA, respectively.