Flying Focus Table-Top Apparatus
Abstract
We propose to build a unique platform, Flying Focus Table-Top Apparatus , using diffractive optical elements and chirped ultrafast laser pulses to control a laser focal spot through time and space. The velocity of the laser focus is decoupled from the optical group velocity. The intense laser focal point can then move over distances at any speed. The velocity of the laser focal point can be greater or smaller than the speed of light in the medium, it can approach zero, and even be less than zero (opposite direction of laser propagation). - This proposal requests an ultrafast Ti-sapphire laser and a set of diffractive optical elements to build a platform for demonstrating the use of flying focus to satisfy the phase matching condition in variety of optical phenomena. This unique platform is an enabling technology, it will offer unprecedent capability to control laser-matter interaction and provide a new approach for other research topics. We will investigate using the method of controlled flying focus to boost THz wave generation efficiency in solids and liquids. These tasks include basic scientific exploration, applied device innovation, and a pilot test for THz science with intense laser pulses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 07, 2023
- Source ID
- FA95502110300
Entities
People
- Xi-Cheng Zhang
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Rochester