MRI: Development of a High Average Power Ultrafast Laser

University Of Colorado At Boulder, Boulder CO

Investigators

Abstract

This project seeks to develop a high-average power, femtosecond laser system with capabilities well-beyond what exists anywhere in the world at present.It will generate pulses with energies of 1-4mJ,with a pulse duration of under 20fs,and at a repetition rate of 10 - 40 kHz.It will also be capable of generating shaped light pulses for experiments in quantum control of matter,optimizing EUV generation,novel high-resolution microscopies,and micro- machining.This laser will be used for a wide variety of application experiments which will be done by the JILA group,and also involving collaborators from the University of Colorado,MIT, SUNY Stony Brook,UC Berkeley,Colorado State University,Princeton University,and Wayne State University.Thus,a new,high-performance laser system will be heavily used for a wide range of optical science and engineering projects.Furthermore,the laser designs will be made available to the ultrafast laser community through publications,web pages,and technology transfer to industry.The JILA group has a very strong track record of technology transfer,both to the scientific and engineering communities and to industry.Most importantly,this project will also provide an excellent training ground for students in high technology areas such as laser and optical design,fast electronics,EUV generation,novel pulse shaping technologies,and mechanical design.