Generation of superintense femtosecond pulses by the Cr:forsterite laser system

Abstract

A repetitively pulsed chromium-forsterite laser system is created. High-power femtosecond light pulses are generated at the fundamental (1.24 µm) and second-harmonic (0.62 µm) wavelengths. Theoretical analysis is performed to optimize the output pulse energy. Laser pulses with a duration of 110 fs, an energy of 1 mJ, and a repetition rate of 1–50 Hz are generated. The intensity of the focused beam is greater than 1016 W/cm2. High-efficiency radiation conversion into the second harmonic is used to increase the energy contrast of the generated pulses.