Physics and engineering of high-power laser systems

The Lawrence Livermore Laboratory is heavily involved in the development of high-power laser systems for applications in fusion research. For near and intermediate term applications the neodymium-glass laser was chosen as it represented the best available technology for the production of high-power pulses. However, extensive research and development have been required to optimize the laser to deliver maximum power to small diameter fusion targets. The nonlinear refractive index of the laser glass and passive optical elements profoundly influence system performance, necessitating an entirely new approach to the design of such lasers. New optical materials are also being developed which are expected to improve substantially the performance of this class of laser systems. Three major neodymium-glass laser systems are operating or under construction at LLL which have been made possible by the technology development program. These systems are given in Table I.