Compact and versatile pulse generation and shaping subsystem for high-energy laser systems

Bruno M. Van Wonterghem; David Ralph Speck; M. J. Norman; Russell B. Wilcox; Victor P. Karpenko; James B. Richards

doi:10.1117/12.154490

1 May 1993 Compact and versatile pulse generation and shaping subsystem for high-energy laser systems

Bruno M. Van Wonterghem, David Ralph Speck, M. J. Norman, Russell B. Wilcox, Victor P. Karpenko, James B. Richards

Proceedings Volume 1870, Laser Coherence Control: Technology and Applications; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.154490
Event: OE/LASE'93: Optics, Electro-Optics, and Laser Applications in Scienceand Engineering, 1993, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

This paper describes the amplifier and beam shaping section of a new pulse generation system that will drive the Beamlet laser at LLNL. The master oscillator and pulse shaping system are described in an accompanying contribution [R. B. Wilcox ea., `Fusion Laser oscillator and pulse-forming system using integrated optics.', these proceedings]. A modified regenerative amplifier produces a gain of 10⁹ to bring the oscillator pulses to the mJ- level. A serrated aperture and birefringent beam shaper produce a flat-topped square beam with high fill factor. A single four-passed Nd:glass rod amplifier provides sufficient gain to generate the desired 12 J output energy in a 3 nsec pulse with very small beam profile, wavefront and pulse shape distortion. We present a description of the system components, followed by a discussion of its performance, based upon over 150 full front end shots being completed since its assembly.

Citation Download Citation

Bruno M. Van Wonterghem, David Ralph Speck, M. J. Norman, Russell B. Wilcox, Victor P. Karpenko, and James B. Richards "Compact and versatile pulse generation and shaping subsystem for high-energy laser systems", Proc. SPIE 1870, Laser Coherence Control: Technology and Applications, (1 May 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.154490

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