Shaping High-Energy and High-Average-Power Laser Pulses Using Plasma Optics

Julia Mikhailova, Princeton University (PI)
Matthew Edwards, Stanford University (co-PI)
Dustin Froula, University of Rochester (co-PI)
John Palastro, University of Rochester (co-PI)
Philippe Clemenceau – Axiom Optics, Inc (co-PI)

This proposal aims to use plasma optics in combination with adaptive optics and new beam-shaping
strategies to tailor the temporal and spatial distributions of intensity and phase of ultra-intense laser pulses
for advanced particle acceleration. Specifically, this is a focused initial R&D effort aimed at improvements
of high-energy ultrashort-pulsed laser beam quality through (1) enhanced pulse contrast (>1E5 on a ns-ps
time scale), (2) better spatial beam quality (high Strehl ratio), and (3) flexible control over beam shape and
polarization both in the laser propagation direction and transverse beam cross-section. The unique strategy
of this project involves integrating innovative plasma optics methods, created by university partners and
tailored for high-average-power laser beams, with cutting-edge adaptive optics technology from an
industrial partner to advance laser systems for accelerator technology applications.

The objectives of the proposed effort are: (1) to develop plasma optics components (ionization plasma
gratings and holograms) capable to operate at high energies (>100mJ) and high repetition rates (1 kHz or
more) of the laser beams; (2) to use ionization plasma gratings to improve the contrast of laser pulses after
compression; (3) to use an advanced wavefront metrology system to characterize plasma density in the
plasma grating; (4) to use an advanced adaptive optics system to precisely tailor the spatial shape of the
wavefront of high-energy laser beams to optimize it for the key experimental parameters in laser-driven
particle acceleration; (5) to use an advanced wavefront metrology system to characterize spatiotemporal
couplings in ultrashort-pulsed high-energy laser beams, including those diffracted by the plasma grating;
(6) to generate and characterize structured high-energy laser beams for all-optical guiding and other
applications in laser wakefield acceleration; (7) to use plasma holograms to generate intense vortex laser
beams close to the point of interaction with a target.

This collaboration brings together (1) Axiom Optics' industry-leading capabilities in laser beam shaping
and adaptive optics, (2) the specialized knowledge in plasma optics, pulse-contrast enhancement, and
ultrafast high-energy laser pulse technologies at Princeton (Mikhailova) and Stanford (Edwards), and (3)
the University of Rochester's (Froula, Palastro) expertise in particle acceleration and applications of spatiotemporally
shaped high-energy laser beams. Mikhailova and Edwards will direct the creation of plasma
optics components at Princeton and Stanford, respectively, with support from Axiom Optics. Froula and
Palastro will consult on optimizing plasma-optics technologies for particle acceleration applications.

The results of this project, particularly the advanced shaping of higher-power laser beams at kHz repetition
rates, can be instrumental in enabling laser-plasma accelerators to contribute significantly towards the
Department of Energy's mission to develop TeV colliders and bright x-ray sources, and to make compact accelerators usable for industrial and other applications.

The impact of the proposed research extends beyond accelerator science and applications, responding to
challenges outlined in 2023 Basic Research Needs Workshop Report on Laser Technology. This report
highlighted the need for ultrafast laser sources that combine high power with superior pulse contrast and
advanced spatial and temporal shaping. Plasma optics were identified in the report as a critical enabling
technology for these sources, particularly for high-average power lasers (1-10 J, 1-10 kHz) and ultra-high intensity
lasers (1-10 kJ, 0.1-10 Hz). In terms of market opportunities, this proposal is geared towards
enhancing the technical capabilities of the industrial partner in adaptive optics and metrology, especially
for ultra-fast high-energy lasers. Research groups and industries worldwide utilizing high-energy laser
technology or engaged in plasma-based research could potentially be customers of the products developed
as a result of this effort.