Theory of Kerr Instability Amplification

TL;DR

This paper introduces a theoretical analysis of Kerr instability amplification, a novel method for amplifying ultrashort mid-infrared pulses using CaF2 and KBr crystals, promising significant energy scaling with current laser technology.

Contribution

It presents the first theoretical proposal for Kerr instability-based amplification in the mid-infrared, demonstrating feasibility for high-energy ultrashort pulse amplification.

Findings

Amplification of 1-2 cycle pulses by 3-4 orders of magnitude.

Achievable output energies of about 0.05 mJ at 14 microns.

Feasibility with current laser sources.

Abstract

A new amplification method based on the optical Kerr instability is suggested and theoretically analyzed, with emphasis on the near to mid-infrared wavelength regime. Our analysis for CaF2 and KBr crystals shows that one to two cycle pulse amplification by 3-4 orders of magnitude in the wavelength range from 1-14 microns is feasible with currently available laser sources. At 14 microns final output energies in the 0.05 mJ range are achievable corresponding to about 0.2-0.25% of the pump energy. The Kerr instability presents a promising process for the amplification of ultrashort mid-infrared pulses.