Analysis of mid-spatial frequency wavefront distortions from a liquid-cooled flash-lamp pumped Nd:phosphate laser amplifier

Mid-spatial frequency wavefront deformation can be deleterious for the operation of high-energy laser systems. When fluid cooled high-repetition-rate amplifiers are used, the coolant flow is likely to induce such detrimental mid-spatial frequency wavefront deformations. Here, we describe the design...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Pierre-Marie Dalbies, Sandy Cavaro, Edouard Bordenave, Nathalie Blanchot, Julien G. Moreau, Jérôme Neauport
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press 2024-01-01
Series:High Power Laser Science and Engineering
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2095471923000944/type/journal_article
Description
Summary:Mid-spatial frequency wavefront deformation can be deleterious for the operation of high-energy laser systems. When fluid cooled high-repetition-rate amplifiers are used, the coolant flow is likely to induce such detrimental mid-spatial frequency wavefront deformations. Here, we describe the design and performance of a 90 mm × 90 mm aperture, liquid-cooled Nd:phosphate split-slab laser amplifier pumped by flash-lamps. The performance of the system is evaluated in terms of wavefront aberration and gain at repetition rates down to 1 shot per minute. The results show that this single cooled split-slab system exhibits low wavefront distortions in the medium to large period range, compatible with a focus on target, and despite the use of liquid coolant traversed by both pump and amplified wavelengths. This makes it a potential candidate for applications in large high-energy laser facilities.
ISSN:2095-4719
2052-3289