MTW-OPAL: a technology development platform for ultra-intense optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification systems

Journal Article · 06 October 2021 · High Power Laser Science and Engineering

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/hpl.2021.45 · OSTI ID:1833812

Bromage, J.  ^[1]; Bahk, S. -W. ^[2]; Bedzyk, M. ^[2]; Begishev, I. A. ^[2]; Bucht, S. ^[2]; Dorrer, C. ^[2]; Feng, C. ^[2]; Jeon, C. ^[2]; Mileham, C. ^[2]; Roides, R. G. ^[2]; Shaughnessy, K. ^[2]; Shoup, III, M. J. ^[2]; Spilatro, M. ^[2]; Webb, B. ^[2]; Weiner, D. ^[2]; Zuegel, J. D. ^[2]

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1. Univ. of Rochester, NY (United States); Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester
2. Univ. of Rochester, NY (United States)

Optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification implemented using multikilojoule Nd:glass pump lasers is a promising approach for producing ultra-intense pulses (>10²³ W/cm²). We report on the MTW-OPAL Laser System, an optical parametric amplifier line (OPAL) pumped by the Nd:doped portion of the multi-terawatt (MTW) laser. This midscale prototype was designed to produce 0.5-PW pulses with technologies scalable to tens of petawatts. Technology choices made for MTW-OPAL were guided by the longer-term goal of two full-scale OPALs pumped by the OMEGA EP to produce 2 × 25-PW beams that would be co-located with kilojoule–nanosecond ultraviolet beams. Several MTW-OPAL campaigns that have been completed since “first light” in March 2020 show that the laser design is fundamentally sound, and optimization continues as we prepare for “first-focus” campaigns later this year.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Rochester, NY (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• Grant/Contract Number: NA0003856
• OSTI ID: 1833812
• Journal Information: High Power Laser Science and Engineering, Journal Name: High Power Laser Science and Engineering Vol. 9; ISSN 2095-4719
• Publisher: Cambridge University PressCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English