A Review of Optical Parametric Amplification at the Vulcan Laser Facility

Abstract

An overview of Optical Parametric Chirped Pulse Amplification (OPCPA) is given as the basis for the next generation of ultra-intense laser systems (>1×1023 W/cm2). The benefits and drawbacks of OPCPA are discussed to explain the choice behind the decisions for the direction of the Central Laser Facility’s (CLF) upcoming Vulcan 20-20 project. A history of OPCPA use at the CLF is described to surmise the foundation of the confidence in this technology for Vulcan 20-20; a 20 PW user facility for high-intensity plasma physics.