Light propagation through large laser systems

摘要: The evolution of solid-state laser systems over the past decade, both through technological advances and increased understanding interplay between nonlinear effects linear diffraction, is reviewed. role numerical methods to simulate several physical processes (diffraction, self-focusing, gain saturation) involved in coherent beam propagation large discussed. A comprehensive simulation code for modeling all pertinent phenomena observed operations (growth small-scale modulation, spatial filtering, imaging, saturation, beam-induced damage) described detail. realism accuracy results obtained with this stem from an unambiguous identification sources noise, use filters modern lasers limit transverse modulation scale within practical computational range a two-dimensional analysis. Several comparisons output performance data are presented. Finally, design estimation Nova system presently under construction at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) given.