Generation of ultra-intense spatiotemporal optical vortex

TL;DR

This paper proposes a method to generate ultra-intense spatiotemporal optical vortices with unprecedented energy levels, enabling new research opportunities in high energy density physics and relativistic laser-matter interactions.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel approach combining large-scale gratings with high-peak-power lasers to produce STOVs at intensities up to 10^21 W/cm2, supported by simulations and proof-of-principle experiments.

Findings

Numerical simulations show generation of 83 J, 60 fs STOV pulses at 10^21 W/cm2.

Experimental demonstration achieved 1.1 mJ single pulse STOVs.

Maintains spatiotemporal vortex structure at ultra-high intensities.

Abstract

Spatiotemporal optical vortex (STOV) with transverse orbital angular momentum (TOAM) can induce some novel properties in high energy density physics. However, the current STOV pulse energy is limited to the mJ level, which greatly hinders the development of the research field of relativistic laser-matter interaction. Combined with the large-scale grating pair in high-peak-power laser facility, the method for generating of STOV with ultra-high intensity up to 1021 W/cm2 is proposed. The numerical simulation proves that the wave packet with 60 fs duration and 83 J energy can be generated in the far field, maintaining an integral spatiotemporal vortex construction. Finally, STOVs with 1.1 mJ single pulse energy were obtained in a proof-of-principle experiment, and characterized by a home-made measuring device.