Title :
Novel contrast enhancement of Astra-Gemini laser facility
Author :
Tang, Yuchen ; Hooker, Christopher J. ; Chekhlov, O.V. ; Hawkes, S. ; Parry, B. ; Ertel, K. ; Collier, J. ; Rajeev, P.P.
Author_Institution :
Central Laser Facility, STFC Rutherford Appleton Lab., Didcot, UK
Abstract :
We report on the recent contrast enhancement of Astra-Gemini laser. It is shown that the stretcher gratings contribute significantly to the contrast pedestal. Implementing higher-quality gratings resulted in a significant contrast improvement. We have also investigated and quantified the contribution to the contrast pedestal from each individual grating in the stretcher.
Keywords :
diffraction gratings; laser accessories; solid lasers; Astra-Gemini laser facility; contrast enhancement; contrast improvement; contrast pedestal; high-quality gratings; individual grating; stretcher gratings; Gratings; Laser beams; Lasers; Measurement by laser beam; Mirrors; Plasmas; Rough surfaces;
Conference_Titel :
Lasers and Electro-Optics (CLEO), 2013 Conference on
Conference_Location :
San Jose, CA
