Thermal eigenmode amplifiers for diffraction-limited amplification of ultrashort pulses

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Optical Engineering
• High-Power Lasers

Background:

• Multipass amplifiers are crucial for achieving high-average power lasers.
• Thermal lensing is a significant challenge in high-power laser design.
• Producing diffraction-limited beams is essential for many laser applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the design of high-repetition, high-average power multipass amplifiers.
• To investigate the use of pump power-induced thermal lensing as a design element.
• To achieve the production of diffraction-limited beams using this technique.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical analysis of thermal lensing effects in multipass amplifiers.
• Modeling of the amplifier system to simulate beam propagation.
• Investigation of the formation of an equivalent lens waveguide.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated that pump power-induced thermal lensing can be harnessed to create a lens waveguide.
• Showcased the potential for producing diffraction-limited beams.
• Provided an analytical framework for designing such amplifiers.

Conclusions:

• The proposed design enables the generation of high-quality beams in high-power laser systems.
• Thermal lensing can be advantageously utilized in amplifier design.
• This approach offers a pathway to efficient, high-performance laser amplification.