Designing large aperture Pockels cells

Abstract

Electrooptical (EO) devices, such as Pockels cells, can provide effective bidirectional isolation for high-gain laser systems, such as those used for laser fusion experiments. In these systems, undesirable forward propagating radiation in the form of a precursor to the main pulse can preheat or destroy the target. Retroreflected radiation, arising from target or component surfaces, can experience sufficient amplification to destroy optical elements near the front end of the system. Protection of the target and laser from these effects is an important consideration in the design of any high-power laser irradiation system.