Summary of Texas Petawatt Laser Capabilities
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We typically operate the Texas Petawatt Laser at 100-140 J energies.
Energy stability is better than 5% shot-to-shot.
Varying energy accurately is difficult and laser diagnostics can operate less well at lower energies.
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Shortest pulse duration is typically around 140 ± 10 fs (shot-to-shot rms).
Pulse duration can be lengthened if desired by the user up to several ps by incomplete recompression, or ns-pulsed can be achieved bypassing the compressor. Laser diagnostic performance can be affected.
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The Strehl ratio of the focused pulse is typically around 0.65 ± 10 (shot to shot rms).
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Focus in TC1 is f/3 or f/1.1. Please consult with the TPW staff before requesting f/1.1.
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Focus in TC2 is f/40.
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The repetition rate achievable by the laser system at full energy is one shot per hour; the experiment rate will often be slower because of user target area activities.
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Central wavelength is 1057 nm.
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Polarization is vertical in TC1 and TC2.
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The pulse spatial profile can be approximated by a 6th to 8th order supergaussian.
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The pulse temporal profile is gaussian.
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Laser operating modes.
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TC1 layout and STEP model.
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TC2 layout and STEP model.
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Contrast data.
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Laser diagnostics.
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User data provided after shot.