Diagnostic of laser contrast using target reflectivity

A.S. Pirozhkov, I.W. Choi, J.H. Sung, S.K. Lee, T.J. Yu, T.M. Jeong, I.J. Kim, N. Hafz, P. McKenna, D.C. Carroll

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Using three different laser systems, we demonstrate a convenient and simple plasma based diagnostic of the contrast of high-power short-pulse lasers. The technique is based on measuring the specular reflectivity from a solid target. The reflectivity remains high even at relativistic intensities above 10(19) W/cm(2) in the case of a high-contrast prepulse-free laser. On the contrary, the specular reflectivity drops with increasing intensities in the case of systems with insufficient contrast due to beam breakup and increased absorption caused by preplasma.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)241102-1-241102-3
JournalApplied Physics Letters
Volume94
Issue number24
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Jun 2009

Keywords

  • high-speed optical techniques
  • laser beams
  • optical pulse generation
  • reflectivity

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