Polishing the surface of a z-cut KDP crystal by neutralized argon ions.

The sputtering yield and dynamics of the surface roughness of the potassium dihydrogenphosphate-KHPO (KDP) crystal z-cut was initially polished by precision micromilling with a diamond cutter, after which surface treatment by neutralized Ar ions was studied. The sputtering yield turned out to be noticeably higher than the values for materials that are amenable to ion polishing (fused silica, ULE, Zerodur, etc.), but the polishing effect at angles of incidence of 0°, 30°, and 45° was found.

Synchronization of two Q-switched lasers with 150 ps jitter.

Two Nd:YLF lasers with a pulse duration of about 2 ns have been synchronized. The duration and synchronization of two laser pulses are provided by two pairs of Pockels cells with synchronized voltage pulses. One of the Pockels cells in the first pair ensures Q switching, and the other cuts out a 2 ns pulse from the giant 20 ns pulse.

200 TW 45 fs laser based on optical parametric chirped pulse amplification.

200 TW peak power has been achieved experimentally using a Cr:forsterite master oscillator at 1250 nm, a stretcher, three optical parametrical amplifiers based on KD*P (DKDP) crystals providing 14.5 J energy in the chirped pulse at 910 nm central wavelength, and a vacuum compressor. The final parametrical amplifier and the compressor are described in detail.