Laser-controlled adaptive optic for beam quality enhancement in a multipass thin disk amplifier

TL;DR

This paper introduces a laser-controlled adaptive optical element that improves beam quality in high-power laser systems by replacing traditional deformable mirrors with a laser-projected, heat-resistant mirror, demonstrating a threefold enhancement in beam quality.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel laser-controlled adaptive optical element capable of operating under high intensity radiation, replacing mechanical deformable mirrors, and improving beam quality in a multipass thin disk amplifier.

Findings

Adaptive optical element handles >3 MW/cm^2 radiation.

Achieved threefold improvement in beam quality.

Demonstrated successful implementation in a high-power laser system.

Abstract

We devise a laser-controlled adaptive optical element which operates intracavity under high intensity radiation. This element substitutes a conventional mechanically deformable mirror and is free of critical heat-sensitive components and electronics. The deformation mechanism is based on the projection of a CW control laser onto a specially designed mirror. Mounted to a water-cooled heat sink, the mirror can handle laser radiation beyond 3 MW/cm^2. The properties of the adaptive optical element including the maximum correctable wavefront pitch of 800 nm are discussed. The successful implementation in a multipass thin disk amplifier is presented. An improvement of the beam quality by a factor of three is achieved. We identify measures to enhance the performance of the adaptive optic towards efficient operation in a high-power laser system.