A versatile 10-TW laser system with robust passive controls to achieve high stability and spatiotemporal quality

We discuss the design, construction, and output characteristics of a versatile 10-TW Ti:sapphire laser system of high stability and spatiotemporal quality. By pumping the three amplifier stages independently and running at saturation, an energy stability of 1.3% is obtained. Controls over self-phase modulation, high-order dispersion, spatial aberration, and amplified spontaneous emission are done by robust passive methods. A time–bandwidth product of 1.2 times the Fourier-transform limit with a temporal contrast larger than 5×10⁸ in the -10-ns scale, 2×10⁶ in the -100-ps scale, and 10⁴ in the -1-ps scale are achieved. The beam can be focused down to 1.2 times the diffraction limit with 80% of the energy enclosed in the Gaussian focal spot. Beam-pointing stability is <13 rad. Such high stability and spatiotemporal quality have made possible precision control over extremely nonlinear laser–plasma experiments, and the capability of computerized independent control of prepulse, pump pulse, probe pulse, and on-line diagnoses have made this system highly versatile and reliable. PACS 42.60.By; 42.65.Re; 42.60.Jf