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Optics Express

Optics Express

  • Editor: C. Martijn de Sterke
  • Vol. 16, Iss. 12 — Jun. 9, 2008
  • pp: 8876–8886

Optics InfoBase > Optics Express > Volume 16 > Issue 12 > Page 8876

Decrease of pulse-contrast in nonlinear chirped-pulse amplification systems due to high-frequency spectral phase ripples

Damian Schimpf, Enrico Seise, Jens Limpert, and Andreas Tünnermann  »View Author Affiliations


Optics Express, Vol. 16, Issue 12, pp. 8876-8886 (2008)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/OE.16.008876


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Abstract

It is analytically shown that weak initial spectral phase modulations cause a pulse-contrast degradation at the output of nonlinear chirped-pulse amplification systems. The Kerr-nonlinearity causes an energy-transfer from the main pulse to side-pulses during nonlinear amplification. The relative intensities of these side-pulses can be described in terms of Bessel-functions. It is shown that the intensities of the pulses are dependent on the magnitude of the accumulated nonlinear phase-shift (i.e., the B-integral), the depth and period of the initial spectral phase-modulation and the slope of the linear stretching chirp. The results are applicable to any type of laser amplifier that is based on the technique of chirped-pulse amplification. The analytical results presented in this paper are of particular importance for high peak-power laser applications requiring high pulse-contrasts, e.g. high field physics.

© 2008 Optical Society of America

OCIS Codes
(060.2320) Fiber optics and optical communications : Fiber optics amplifiers and oscillators
(140.3280) Lasers and laser optics : Laser amplifiers
(190.3270) Nonlinear optics : Kerr effect
(320.7090) Ultrafast optics : Ultrafast lasers

ToC Category:
Fiber Optics and Optical Communications

History
Original Manuscript: April 3, 2008
Revised Manuscript: May 6, 2008
Manuscript Accepted: May 7, 2008
Published: June 2, 2008

Citation
Damian Schimpf, Enrico Seise, Jens Limpert, and Andreas Tünnermann, "Decrease of pulse-contrast in nonlinear chirped-pulse amplification systems due to high-frequency spectral phase ripples," Opt. Express 16, 8876-8886 (2008)
http://www.opticsinfobase.org/oe/abstract.cfm?URI=oe-16-12-8876


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