Femtosecond-scale Synchronisation of Ultra-Intense Focused Laser Beams

TL;DR

This paper introduces an optical method enabling femtosecond-scale synchronization of two focused laser pulses, overcoming electronic device limitations, with broad applicability and high accuracy, crucial for advanced petawatt laser systems.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel optical synchronization technique for ultra-short laser pulses that works across various focusing geometries and intensities, achieving femtosecond precision.

Findings

Excellent agreement between experiment and theory

Broad applicability to different focusing setups

Potential for use in next-generation petawatt lasers

Abstract

Synchronising ultra-short (~fs) and focussed laser pulses is a particularly difficult task, as this timescale lies orders of magnitude below the typical range of fast electronic devices. Here we present an optical technique that allows for femtosecond-scale synchronisation of the focal planes of two focussed laser pulses. This technique is virtually applicable to any focussing geometry and relative intensity of the two lasers. Experimental implementation of this technique provides excellent quantitative agreement with theoretical expectations. The proposed technique will prove highly beneficial for the next generation of multiple, petawatt class laser systems.