Abstract

The ten arms of the Nova laser system readily deliver 22.5 kJ of third harmonic radiation in 1-ns pulses to targets for fusion experiments. Frequency conversion experiments conducted on a single arm have produced >7.5 kJ of 3ω radiation in longer (2.5-ns) pulses at the output of a Nova crystal array with 15 kJ of 1ω drive. Equivalent on-target energies (40-80 kJ) in 2-3-ns pulses will be available at target chamber center when the laser disks in the output section of the Nova amplifier are replaced with new high-damage threshold glass.¹ The remaining issue facing frequency conversion on Nova is to demonstrate similar 3ω energy (>40 kJ) on-target at shorter (1-ns) pulse lengths with controlled pulse shape at 1ω drive energies up to 9 kJ. Frequency conversion to 40 kJ of 3ω with precisely shaped pulses is required for future experiments.

© 1988 Optical Society of America