Efficient Raman amplification into the PetaWatt regime

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential of Raman amplification to reach petawatt laser intensities by using wide, high-intensity pulses, supported by 2D particle-in-cell simulations demonstrating feasible amplification to 2 PW.

Contribution

First 2D particle-in-cell simulations of high-intensity Raman amplification with wide pulses, identifying parameter regimes for efficient petawatt-level amplification.

Findings

Achieved amplification of a 10 TW, 600 μm wide, 25 ps pulse to 2 PW.

Identified parameter window for efficient high-intensity Raman amplification.

Demonstrated feasibility of reaching petawatt intensities with wide pulses.

Abstract

Raman amplification of a short laser pulse off a long laser beam has been demonstrated successfully for moderate probe intensities ($\sim 10^{16}$ W/cm$^2$) and widths ($\sim 50$ micron). However, truly competitive intensities can only be reached if the amplification process is carried out at much higher probe intensities ($10^{17}-10^{18}$ W/cm$^2$ after amplification) and widths (1-10 mm). In this paper we examine the opportunities and challenges provided by this regime through the first 2-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations using wide pulses. A parameter window is identified in which a 10 TW, 600 $\mu$m wide, 25 ps long laser pulse can be efficiently amplified to 2 PW peak intensity.