Abstract

We have developed a compact, flashlamp pumped Cr:LiSrAlF₆ laser system capable of producing peak powers in excess of one terawatt. The chirped pulse amplification approach has been optimized for amplification of femtosecond pulses in Cr:LiSrAlF₆. The system includes a Cr:LiSAF regenerative amplifier followed by a Cr:LiSAF power amplifier chain. The regenerative amplifier produces 12 mj pulses at a 5 Hz repetition rate which are further amplified to energies above 300 mJ at a 0.5 Hz repetition rate. Recompression results in a pulse energy of 150 mJ and pulse duration of under 135 fsec.

© 1993 Optical Society of America