Arbitrarily Structured Laser Pulses

ORAL

Abstract

Spatiotemporal control refers to a class of optical techniques for structuring a laser pulse with space-time dependent properties, including moving focal points, dynamic spot sizes, and evolving orbital angular momentum. These structured pulses have the potential to enhance a number of laser-plasma applications, including laser wakefield acceleration [1,2], photon acceleration [3], Raman amplification [4], and inertial confinement fusion [5]. Here we introduce the concept of arbitrarily structured laser (ASTRL) pulses which generalizes techniques for spatiotemporal control. The ASTRL formalism employs a superposition of prescribed pulses to create a desired electromagnetic field structure. Several examples will be presented to illustrate the versatility of ASTRL pulses to address a range of laser-plasma applications. For instance, the ASTRL concept allows for the construction of flying focus pulses that may eliminate dephasing while enabling controlled injection in a laser wakefield accelerator.

[1] Palastro et al., PRL 124, 134802 (2020)

[2] Palastro et al., Phys. Plasmas 28, 013109 (2021)

[3] Howard et al., PRL 123, 124801 (2019)

[4] Turnbull et al., PRL 120, 024801 (2018)

[5] Igumenshchev et al, PRL 110, 145001 (2013)

*Work supported by LLE, DOE, and NSF.

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Publication: Title: Arbitrarily Structured Laser Pulses. Will be submitted to PRL by the end of July.

Presenters

  • Jacob R Pierce

    • University of California, Los Angeles
    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA

Authors

  • Jacob R Pierce

    • University of California, Los Angeles
    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA

  • John P Palastro

    • Laboratory for Laser Energetics
    • University of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Rochester, New York, 14623, USA
    • Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester
    • University of Rochester

  • Fei Li

    • University of California, Los Angeles

  • Bernardo F Malaca

    • GoLP/Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear, Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon, Portugal
    • GoLP/Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear, Instituto Superi

  • Dillon W Ramsey

    • Laboratory for Laser Energetics, U. of Rochester

  • Jorge Vieira

    • GoLP/Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear, Instituto Superior Técnico
    • GoLP/Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear, Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon, Portugal
    • GoLP/Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear, IST
    • Instituto Superior Tecnico
    • GoLP/Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear, Instituto Superi
    • Instituto Superior Técnico

  • Kathleen Weichman

    • Laboratory for Laser Energetics
    • Laboratory for Laser Energetics, U. of Rochester
    • University of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Rochester, New York, 14623, USA

  • Warren B Mori

    • University of California, Los Angeles
    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA