Prospects for a multi-PW source using optical parametric chirped pulse amplifiers

The properties of optical parametric amplifiers are well suited to their use as chirped pulse amplifiers in short pulse high-power systems. In addition to the possibility of very simple designs to extend to shorter pulses the limits of millijoule systems, they can be used for very high-intensity applications when used in conjunction with narrow-bandwidth high-energy lasers. Powers exceeding 10 PW and focused intensities more than 1023 W/cm2 are predicted using existing glass laser technology.