Temporal synchronization in optical parametric chirped pulse amplification laser system

The effect of temporal synchronization between the chirped signal pulse and the pumping pulse in an optical parametric chirped pulse amplification laser system is researched theoretically and experimentally. The results show that the gain of optical parametric amplification is sensitive to the temporal synchronization. Therefore, accurate temporal synchronization between the chirped signal pulse and the pumping pulse is essential to obtain high optical parametric amplification gain and stable output from an optical parametric chirped pulse amplification laser. Based on our 16.7-TW/120-fs optical parametric chirped pulse amplification laser system with similar to1-ns pumping pulse duration and <10-ps time jitter between the signal and pumping pulse, the effect of the temporal synchronization on optical parametric chirped pulse amplification is demonstrated. The experimental results agree with the calculation. (C) 2004 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.