Ultrafast Long-Wave Infrared Laser for Strong-Field Physics Research
Abstract
Ultrafast Long-Wave Infrared Laser for Strong-Field Physics ResearchUltrafast Long-Wave Infrared Laser for Strong-Field Physics ResearchThis proposal is for the construction of a high-power, femtosecond, solid-state laser source in the long-wave infrared (LWIR). Our approach is based on the established optical parametric chirpedpulse amplification (OPCPA) technology. We target 100 fs pulse duration, 10 mJ pulse energy, 10 Hz pulse repetition rate, and the wavelength of operation tunable in the range from 7 to 10 ~m. The design of our system allows for an economical future upgrade that would boost the pulse energy in the LWIR to 100 mJ, corresponding to peak power of 1 TW. What motivates the construction of the proposed LWIR laser is a very favorable scaling of strong-field laser-matter interactions with the wavelength of the optical driver. This scaling has been established in the extensively investigated near infrared (NIR) and mid-wave infrared (MIR) spectral ranges. Taking advantage of the wavelength scaling further into the LWIR regime is hindered by the scarcity ofhigh-power LWIR laser sources that are currently limited to pulsed lasers based on CO2 technology. Compared to CO2-based LWIR lasers, our solid-state approach offers shorter pulse duration, cleaner temporal pulse output, tunable wavelength of operation, higher pulse repetition rate, smaller footprint, and lower cost. The proposed system will support several DOD-sponsored on-going and proposed research programs. It will be used for training future scientists andengineers in cutting-edge research fields. Research directions that will particularly benefit from the construction of the proposed laser are high harmonic generation, acceleration of charged particles, and laser filamentation in gases. The proposed laser will be a perfect candidate seed source for Terawatt-class LWIR laser systems employing CO2 optical amplifiers. Long-term benefits of investigations enabled by the proposed system will be for the directed energy and counter-measures applications, as well as for the advancement of basic science.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 20, 2019
- Source ID
- N000141912528
Entities
People
- Pavel Polynkin
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Arizona