LWIR TW Ultrafast Laser Technology for Strong-Field Science
Abstract
ABSTRACT (Approved for Public Release)This proposal is for the development of an ultrafast, terawatt-level laser technology in the long-wave infrared (LWIR) part of optical spectrum. Currently available laser systems operating in this wavelength range are limitedto about 10 GW peak power, which restricts their application in strong-field science and limits their DOD utility. Our technical approach is based on the established optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification (OPCPA) technology, combined with an innovative burst-mode pumping scheme, which alleviates the peak-power limitation associated with optical damage of the nonlinear crystals in the amplification chain. The target performance of the proposed laser technology is 100 fs or less pulse duration, 100 mJ pulse energy, 10 Hz pulse repetition rate, and the wavelength of operation tunable in the range from 7 to 10 micrometers. Methods for pulse and beam diagnostics in the LWIR will be developed in parallel. What scientifically 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 of high-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, potentially, lower cost. Research directions that will particularly benefit from the construction of the proposed laser are high harmonicgeneration, acceleration of charged particles, and laser filamentation in gases. The proposed technology will benefit the US warfighter by enhanced capabilities in directed energy and countermeasures, through taking advantage of the wide atmospheric transparency window in the LWIR. The front end of the proposed laser system is currently under construction at the PIs University of Arizona laboratory, partially supported by an active ONR DURIP grant. The developed LWIR technology will be transferred to the DOD through the collaboration with the RF, optoelectronics, and laser laboratory at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane), under CRADA between NSWQC Crane and the University of Arizona, which is currently being finalized. The proposed program will support two full-time PhD students, who will be trained in the cutting-edge research environment. The program will contribute to maintainingUS leadership in the ultrafast, ultra-intense laser science and technology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 05, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112469
Entities
People
- Pavel Polynkin
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Arizona