Advances in high-repetition-rate ultrashort gigawatt laser systems for time-resolved spectroscopy

摘要

The evolution of lasers from their early conception to a general laboratory tool has been earmarked by periodic quantum jumps in the technology. Such advances include tunability, high peak power, and ultra-short temporal pulses. In this paper we describe an ultra-short laser system incorporating all of the above qualities while achieving kilohertz repetition rates. This system uses an approach based on a unique class of solid state multi- pass optical amplifiers known as regenerative amplifiers. We specifically present details of a 250 fsec tunable gigawatt laser system capable of operating at 3 kHz repetition rate. This system is based on cw-pumping technology and Nd:YLF pump lasers. A general review of other high repetition rate systems is also discussed and contrasted. Preliminary results are presented on a titanium sapphire regenerative amplifier.