Low-dispersion low-loss dielectric gratings for efficient ultrafast laser pulse compression at high average powers
All-dielectric gratings are ideal for high average power laser pulse compressors due to their low loss and high diffraction efficiencies. However, they have not been utilized in petawatt-class lasers with pulse durations below 100 fs due to a variety of challenges. We present a resonance-free design for low-dispersion (1480 lines/mm) diffraction gratings made of dielectric materials resistant to femtosecond laser damage (SiO2/HfO2). A 14 cm diameter sample was fabricated resulting in a mean diffraction efficiency of 99.1% at λ = 810 nm with high spatial uniformity using equipment which can produce gratings up to 1 m diagonal. The implementation of these gratings in the compression of 30 fs pulses in an out-of-plane geometry can result in compressor efficiencies approaching 95%. The measured laser absorption is 500× lower than current ultrafast petawatt-class compressor gratings enabling a substantial increase in average power handling capabilities of these laser systems.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); USDOE Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AC52-07NA27344; 14-ERD-084
- OSTI ID:
- 1547456
- Alternate ID(s):
- OSTI ID: 1734599
- Report Number(s):
- LLNL-JRNL-734080; S0030399218320218; PII: S0030399218320218
- Journal Information:
- Optics and Laser Technology, Journal Name: Optics and Laser Technology Vol. 117 Journal Issue: C; ISSN 0030-3992
- Country of Publication:
- United Kingdom
- Language:
- English
Web of Science
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