Numerical simulation of coherent summation of laser beams in the presence of non-idealities in the dipole focusing system

Abstract

A programming library was developed, based on Stratton–Chu diffraction integrals for calculating reflected optical fields. Dipole-type focusing schemes with a tunable number of beams and mirror placements were studied, considering the influence of phase distortion and aberrations. The intensity above 3×1026W/cm2 was found theoretically attainable in a system of 12 beams of 50 PW each, with about 90% of that value realistically achievable.