Using first principles in the specifying of optics for large high-power lasers (I): application to the Megajoule Laser (LMJ)

Michael Bray; Andre Roussel

doi:10.1117/12.246760

19 August 1996 Using first principles in the specifying of optics for large high-power lasers (I): application to the Megajoule Laser (LMJ)

Michael Bray, Andre Roussel

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 2775, Specification, Production, and Testing of Optical Components and Systems; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.246760
Event: Optical Instrumentation and Systems Design, 1996, Glasgow, United Kingdom

Abstract

In working on optical specifications for Megajoule, CEA's laser for inertial confinement fusion (ICF), we came to look closely at optical beam propagation in non-linear material. All materials are non-linear, in that their refractive index at each point is a function of the intensity of the propagating beam at that point. However, only at the high intensities encountered, for example, in ICF lasers does this behavior become noticeable. We show in this paper the effect of non-linearity on beam propagation, in a basic and graphical manner, using easily understood first principles. To this effect, we look at plane waves modulated by sinusoidal ripples. It is possible, with this simplified model, to compute the spatial frequencies of ripples that suffer high amplitude amplification, leading to optical component damage, and those that do not suffer such large amplification. We also highlight the close analogy between a sequence of laser slabs in a laser amplifier, and a sequence of layers in an optical thin film coating. This analogy helps us understand the small ripple gain function of a Megajoule amplifier.

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Michael Bray and Andre Roussel "Using first principles in the specifying of optics for large high-power lasers (I): application to the Megajoule Laser (LMJ)", Proc. SPIE 2775, Specification, Production, and Testing of Optical Components and Systems, (19 August 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.246760

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