Abstract

In this work we present a new method for peak-power scaling in nonlinear CPA-systems. In conventional CPA systems temporal stretching is used to avoid high peak powers developing during the amplification process. However, if the peak power of the stretched pulse is high enough, a considerable amount of nonlinear spectral phase shift (as described by the B-integral) can be accumulated due to self-phase modulation. Consequently, reduced peak powers and pulse shape degradation will be obtained after compression. Such systems are referred to as nonlinear CPA-systems.

© 2009 IEEE