27 W 2.1 µm OPCPA system for coherent soft X-ray generation operating at 10 kHz

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Ultrafast Optics
• High-Energy Lasers

Background:

• Optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification (OPCPA) systems are crucial for generating high-intensity ultrashort laser pulses.
• Existing OPCPA systems often face limitations in output power and wavelength flexibility.
• The 2 µm wavelength region offers unique advantages for certain applications, including high harmonic generation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-power OPCPA system operating at 2.1 µm.
• To achieve record-breaking average output power for OPCPA systems in this wavelength range.
• To enable the generation of soft X-ray radiation covering the water window.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 500 W Yb:YAG thin disk laser as the sole pump and signal source.
• Implemented an optical parametric amplification scheme.
• Operated the system at a 10 kHz repetition rate.

Main Results:

• Achieved a maximum average output power of 27 W, a new record for 2 µm OPCPA.
• Delivered single pulses with energies up to 2.7 mJ and durations of 30 fs.
• Generated a soft X-ray continuum extending to 0.55 keV, covering the water window.

Conclusions:

• The developed 2.1 µm OPCPA system represents a significant advancement in high-power ultrafast laser technology.
• The system's capability to generate broadband soft X-rays opens new avenues for research in various scientific fields.
• The high repetition rate allows for pump-probe experiments on solid samples, facilitating time-resolved studies.