1 kW, 200 mJ picosecond thin-disk laser system

Abstract

We report on a laser system based on thin-disk technology and chirped pulse amplification, providing output pulse energies of 200 mJ at a 5 kHz repetition rate. The amplifier contains a ring-type cavity and two thin Yb:YAG disks, each pumped by diode laser systems providing up to 3.5 kW power at a 969 nm wavelength. The average output power of more than 1 kW is delivered in an excellent output beam characterized by M²=1.1. The output pulses are compressed to 1.1 ps at full power with a pair of dielectric gratings.