We present our current efforts to create pure transversal modes in ultrashort and intense pulses of 800 nm radiation
(Ti:sapphire). Our longer-term goal is to investigate if and how optical orbital angular momentum affects intense-field
excitation and ionization processes. For this purpose we need strong pulses in pure modes. Optical orbital angular
momentum is present in Laguerre-Gaussian modes; in the past, we established a technique to create spatial-chirp free
pure Laguerre-Gaussian modes using a pair of holographic gratings on film [Opt. Express 13, 7599-7608 (2005)].
However, this technique is unsuitable for high intensity beams, and we are currently exploring the possibilities of a
liquid-crystal spatial light modulator (SLM). After careful testing, we have found that our SLM, which we operate as a
phase plate, withstands without any problem the full 1010 W/cm2 peak intensity of an amplified pulsed Ti:sapphire beam
(< 50 fs pulse duration, repetition rate 1 kHz). Using the SLM, we have recently created a beam of ultrashort and intense
pulses with a Hermite-Gaussian(1,0) profile and started to analyze this beam using optical and ionization methods.
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