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arXiv · 2312.12188

Spatiotemporal control of high-intensity laser pulses with a plasma lens

D. Li·K. G. Miller·J. R. Pierce·W. B. Mori·A. G. R. Thomas·J. P. Palastro
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Abstract

Spatiotemporal control encompasses a variety of techniques for producing laser pulses with dynamic intensity peaks that move independently of the group velocity. This controlled motion of the intensity peak offers a new approach to optimizing laser-based applications and enhancing signatures of fundamental phenomena. Here, we demonstrate spatiotemporal control with a plasma optic. A chirped laser pulse focused by a plasma lens exhibits a moving focal point, or "flying focus," that can travel at an arbitrary, predetermined velocity. Unlike currently used conventional or adaptive optics, a plasma lens can be located close to the interaction region and can operate at an orders of magnitude higher, near-relativistic intensity.

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D. Li, K. G. Miller, J. R. Pierce, W. B. Mori, A. G. R. Thomas, J. P. Palastro. 2023-12-19. Spatiotemporal control of high-intensity laser pulses with a plasma lens. https://arxiv.org/abs/2312.12188

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