Demonstration of kilohertz operation of Hydrodynamic Optical-Field-Ionized Plasma Channels

Physical Review Accelerators and Beams American Physical Society (2022)

Authors:

A Alejo, J Cowley, A Picksley, R Walczak, SM Hooker

Abstract:

We demonstrate experimentally that hydrodynamic optical-field-ionized (HOFI) plasma channels can be generated at kHz-scale pulse repetition rates, in a static gas cell and for an extended period. Using a pump-probe arrangement, we show via transverse interferometry that the properties of two HOFI channels generated \SI{1}{ms} apart are essentially the same. We demonstrate that HOFI channels can be generated at a mean repetition rate of \SI{0.4}{kHz} for a period of 6.5 hours without degradation of the channel properties, and we determine the fluctuations in the key optical parameters of the channels in this period. Our results suggest that HOFI and conditioned HOFI channels are well suited for future high-repetition rate, multi-GeV plasma accelerator stages.

Demonstration of kilohertz operation of hydrodynamic optical-field-ionized plasma channels

Physical Review Accelerators and Beams American Physical Society 25 (2022) 011301

Authors:

A Alejo, J Cowley, A Picksley, R Walczak, Sm Hooker

Abstract:

We demonstrate experimentally that hydrodynamic optical-field-ionized (HOFI) plasma channels can be generated at kHz-scale pulse repetition rates, in a static gas cell and for an extended period. Using a pump-probe arrangement, we show via transverse interferometry that the properties of two HOFI channels generated 1 ms apart are essentially the same. We demonstrate that HOFI channels can be generated at a mean repetition rate of 0.4 kHz for a period of 6.5 h without degradation of the channel properties, and we determine the fluctuations in the key optical parameters of the channels in this period. Our results suggest that HOFI and conditioned HOFI channels are well suited for future high-repetition rate, multi-GeV plasma accelerator stages.

Demonstration of kilohertz operation of Hydrodynamic Optical-Field-Ionized Plasma Channels

(2021)

Authors:

A Alejo, J Cowley, A Picksley, R Walczak, SM Hooker

GeV-scale accelerators driven by plasma-modulated pulses from kilohertz lasers

(2021)

Authors:

O Jakobsson, SM Hooker, R Walczak

A history of high-power laser research and development in the United Kingdom

High Power Laser Science and Engineering Cambridge University Press 9 (2021) e18

Authors:

Colin Danson, Malcolm White, John RM Barr, Paul Ewart, Simon Hooker, Colin Webb, Justin Wark

Abstract:

The first demonstration of laser action in ruby was made in 1960 by T. H. Maiman of Hughes Research Laboratories, USA. Many laboratories worldwide began the search for lasers using different materials, operating at different wavelengths. In the UK, academia, industry and the central laboratories took up the challenge from the earliest days to develop these systems for a broad range of applications. This historical review looks at the contribution the UK has made to the advancement of the technology, the development of systems and components and their exploitation over the last 60 years.