title: Hybrid chirped-pulse amplification.
abstract: Conversion efficiency in optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification is limited by spatiotemporal characteristics of the pump pulse. We have demonstrated a novel hybrid chirped-pulse amplification scheme that uses a single pump pulse and combines optical parametric amplification and laser amplification to achieve high gain, high conversion efficiency, and high prepulse contrast without utilization of electro-optic modulators. We achieved an overall conversion efficiency of 37% from the hybrid amplification system at a center wavelength of 820nm. Generation of multiterawatt pulses is possible by use of this simple method and commercial Q -switched pump lasers.
authors.forename: Igor
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Jovanovic
authors.forename: Christopher A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Ebbers
authors.forename: C P J
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Barty