Generation of optically synchronized pump-signal beams for ultrafast OPCPA via the optical Kerr effect

Abstract : In recent years, multi-PW laser installations have achieved unprecedented peak powers opening new horizons to laser-matter interaction studies. Ultra broadband and extreme temporal contrast pulses requirements make the optical parametric chirped pulse amplification (OPCPA) in the few-ps regime, the key technology in these systems. To guarantee however a high fidelity output, the OPCPA requires excellent synchronization between the pump and the signal pulses. Here, we propose a new highly versatile architecture for the generation of optically synchronized pumpsignal pairs based on the Kerr shutter effect. We obtained >550 µJ pump pulses of 12 ps duration at 532 nm optically synchronized with a typical ultrashort CPA source at 800 nm. As a proof of principle demonstration, our system has been also used for the amplification of ∼20 µJ ultra-broadband pulses based on an OPCPA setup.