title: Spatial filters for high-peak-power multistage laser amplifiers.
abstract: We describe spatial filters used in a Nd:glass laser with an output pulse energy up to 300 J and a pulse duration of 1 ns. This laser is designed for pumping of a chirped-pulse optical parametric amplifier. We present data required to choose the shape and diameter of a spatial filter lens, taking into account aberrations caused by spherical surfaces. Calculation of the optimal pinhole diameter is presented. Design features of the spatial filters and the procedure of their alignment are discussed in detail.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Applied Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 46 Uljanov Street, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Potemkin
authors.forename: T V
authors.initials: TV
authors.lastname: Barmashova
authors.forename: A V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Kirsanov
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Martyanov
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Khazanov
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Shaykin