Optical Parametric Chirped-Pulse Amplification

2002:

A key element of future ultrahigh-intensity lasers is a stable, high-efficiency laser source capable of generating broad-bandwidth pulses that can be amplified by a high-power amplifier system. Optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification (OPCPA) is a novel laser concept that is well suited for this application. LLE’s OPCPA system demonstrates one of the highest efficiencies for such systems currently available in 2002. The OPCPA concept is based in part on an LLE-invented concept: chirped-pulse amplification (CPA). The CPA idea created a revolution in laser technology by enabling the development of ultrahigh-intensity [i.e., >10¹⁵ W (petawatt)] lasers. LLE and LLNL are currently collaborating on the development of large diffraction gratings required for petawatt lasers.

Shown here is LLE’s OPCPA system in the Laser Development Laboratory (LDL)