Compensated 4D ultrafast pulse characterization

Ultrafast lasers are used or proposed for use in many areas of accelerator applications; for example, drivers for novel accelerator concepts for future colliders and in the generation, manipulation, and xray seeding of electron beams. Endtoend modeling of spatiotemporal pulse propagation is vital for current and next generation sources. Model verification is a key tool in model refinement. Currently, no complete spatiotemporal pulse measurement technique is offered on the market. High energy ultrafast laser beamlines are large devices with limited points available for pulse sampling. Accurate spatiotemporal measurements at these locations are critical for reliable modeling of pulse interactions in downstream locations. In this SBIR, we will develop new methods to make rapid spatiotemporal measurements which are integrated with 4D pulse propagation software. In Phase I, we demonstrated our proposed techniques for the spatiotemporal measurement of ultrafast laser pulses anywhere within an optical system. The accuracy and precision of our measurement technique was demonstrated. Models of optical systems were verified by mathematically propagating spatiotemporally measured inputs and comparing them with spatiotemporally measured outputs. Multiple models were tested, including commercial software using scalar, paraxial propagation, and customdeveloped software for vectorfield propagation. In Phase II, we will develop a prototype system that will seamlessly incorporate 4D mathematical propagation with spatiotemporal pulse measurement to predict and verify pulse behavior throughout an optical system. We will demonstrate this technology by modeling and measuring the spatiotemporal effects of amplifier temperature gradients, nonlinearity, and gain on an ultrafast pulse. Our 4D ultrafast laser pulse measurement technology will provide badly needed diagnostics in commercial markets. Application areas include scientific research, manufacturing, and the semiconductor industry.