Relativistic near-single-cycle optics at 1 kHz

TL;DR

This paper introduces a laser source capable of producing waveform-controlled near-single-cycle pulses at 1 kHz, enabling new experiments in relativistic laser-matter interactions.

Contribution

The work demonstrates the generation of 1.5-cycle, waveform-controlled pulses at 1 kHz using a novel hollow fiber compressor, enabling relativistic intensity focusing and phase-sensitive experiments.

Findings

First observation of carrier-envelope phase effects in laser-wakefield acceleration

Generation of high-contrast, near-single-cycle pulses at 1 kHz

Potential for advanced relativistic laser applications

Abstract

We present a laser source delivering waveform-controlled 1.5-cycle pulses that can be focused to relativistic intensity at 1 kHz repetition rate. These pulses are generated by nonlinear compression of high-temporal-contrast sub-25\,fs pulses from a kHz Ti:Sapphire double-chirped pulse amplifier in a stretched flexible hollow fiber compressor scaled for high peak power. The unique capabilities of this source are demonstrated by observing carrier-envelope phase effects in laser-wakefield acceleration of relativistic electrons for the first time.