Multi-channel, fiber-based seed pulse distribution system for femtosecond-level synchronized chirped pulse amplifiers.
We report on the design and performance of a fiber-based, multi-channel laser amplifier seed pulse distribution system. The device is designed to condition and distribute low energy laser pulses from a mode-locked oscillator to multiple, highly synchronized, high energy amplifiers integrated into a laser beamline. Critical functions such as temporal pulse stretching well beyond 100 ps/nm, pulse picking, and fine control over the pulse delay up to 300 ps are all performed in fiber eliminating the need for bulky and expensive grating stretchers, Pockels cells, and delay lines. These functions are characterized and the system as a whole is demonstrated by seeding two high energy amplifiers in the laser beamline. The design of this system allows for complete computer control of all functions, including tuning of dispersion, and is entirely hands-free. The performance of this device and its subsystems will be relevant to those developing lasers where reliability, size, and cost are key concerns in addition to performance; this includes those developing large-scale laser systems similar to ours and also those developing table-top experiments and commercial systems.
Extreme Light Infrastructure-Beamlines, FZU AV CR, v.v.i., Na Slovance 2, 18221 Prague 8, Czech Republic.
Martin
M
Horáček
Extreme Light Infrastructure-Beamlines, FZU AV CR, v.v.i., Na Slovance 2, 18221 Prague 8, Czech Republic.
Lukáš
L
Indra
Extreme Light Infrastructure-Beamlines, FZU AV CR, v.v.i., Na Slovance 2, 18221 Prague 8, Czech Republic.
Jonathan T
JT
Green
Extreme Light Infrastructure-Beamlines, FZU AV CR, v.v.i., Na Slovance 2, 18221 Prague 8, Czech Republic.
Jack A
JA
Naylon
Extreme Light Infrastructure-Beamlines, FZU AV CR, v.v.i., Na Slovance 2, 18221 Prague 8, Czech Republic.
Boguslaw
B
Tykalewicz
Extreme Light Infrastructure-Beamlines, FZU AV CR, v.v.i., Na Slovance 2, 18221 Prague 8, Czech Republic.
Jakub
J
Novák
Extreme Light Infrastructure-Beamlines, FZU AV CR, v.v.i., Na Slovance 2, 18221 Prague 8, Czech Republic.
František
F
Batysta
Extreme Light Infrastructure-Beamlines, FZU AV CR, v.v.i., Na Slovance 2, 18221 Prague 8, Czech Republic.
Tomáš
T
Mazanec
Extreme Light Infrastructure-Beamlines, FZU AV CR, v.v.i., Na Slovance 2, 18221 Prague 8, Czech Republic.
Jakub
J
Horáček
Extreme Light Infrastructure-Beamlines, FZU AV CR, v.v.i., Na Slovance 2, 18221 Prague 8, Czech Republic.
Roman
R
Antipenkov
Extreme Light Infrastructure-Beamlines, FZU AV CR, v.v.i., Na Slovance 2, 18221 Prague 8, Czech Republic.
Zbyněk
Z
Hubka
Extreme Light Infrastructure-Beamlines, FZU AV CR, v.v.i., Na Slovance 2, 18221 Prague 8, Czech Republic.
Robert
R
Boge
Extreme Light Infrastructure-Beamlines, FZU AV CR, v.v.i., Na Slovance 2, 18221 Prague 8, Czech Republic.
Pavel
P
Bakule
Extreme Light Infrastructure-Beamlines, FZU AV CR, v.v.i., Na Slovance 2, 18221 Prague 8, Czech Republic.
Bedřich
B
Rus