We present a high peak and average power optical parametric chirped pulse amplification system driven by diode-pumped Yb:KGW and Nd:YAG lasers running at 1 kHz repetition rate. The advanced architecture of the system allows us to achieve >53 W average power combined with 5.5 TW peak power, along with sub-220 mrad CEP stability and sub-9 fs pulse duration at a center wavelength around 880 nm. Broadband, background-free, passively CEP stabilized seed pulses are produced in a series of cascaded optical parametric amplifiers pumped by the Yb:KGW laser, while a diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser system provides multi-mJ pump pulses for power amplification stages. Excellent stability of output parameters over 16 hours of continuous operation is demonstrated.
Dynamics features of high repetition rate continuously pumped solid-state regenerative amplifiers were studied numerically. A space independent rate equations and discrete-time dynamical system approach were used for system state evolution analysis. Regular single-energy operation, quasi-periodic pulsing and chaotic behavior regions are distinguished in space of control parameters. Diagrams of dynamical regimes comprehensively exhibiting operation features of the system are presented. Seed energy is shown to be an important parameter determining the stability space. Conditions of stable operation are described quantitatively.
Continuously pumped regenerative amplifiers are subject to energy instability at high pulse repetition rates due to period doubling bifurcation. Theoretical and experimental data are presented, in order to differentiate and understand instability effects in Nd:YVO4 regenerative amplifier, and possible techniques for performance optimization are analyzed. An increase in the seed pulse energy is demonstrated to improve amplification dynamics. Addition of a preamplifier is shown as an efficient way to achieve seed energy high enough to provide stable operation at repetition rates up to 200 kHz with average output power near the theoretical limit.
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