Ultrabroadband efficient intracavity XUV output coupler.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Technology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Traditional output couplers for extreme ultraviolet (XUV) generation often face limitations in efficiency, bandwidth, or loss of the fundamental laser light.
• Grazing incidence optics are known for their ability to achieve high reflectivity at short wavelengths.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and characterize a novel intracavity XUV output coupler based on a grazing incidence plate (GIP).
• To demonstrate the efficiency, broadband capability, and low loss of the GIP for XUV generation.

Main Methods:

• Design and fabrication of an anti-reflection-coated grazing incidence plate (GIP).
• Integration of the GIP as an intracavity component in a laser system for XUV generation.
• Characterization of the GIP's performance, including reflectivity, efficiency, and bandwidth.

Main Results:

• The realized GIP demonstrated parameters close to the design specifications.
• The GIP functions as a highly efficient and extremely broadband output coupler for XUV radiation.
• The grazing incidence geometry enables extended reflectivity into the keV energy range.

Conclusions:

• The grazing incidence plate (GIP) offers an efficient and broadband solution for intracavity XUV output coupling.
• The GIP design minimizes loss of the circulating fundamental laser light.
• The GIP concept shows potential for application at longer wavelengths, including the mid-infrared (MIR) range.