High-efficiency laser-pulse compression by stimulated Brillouin scattering.

Highly efficient compression of laser pulses down to 1 nsec in duration by stimulated Brillouin scattering has been demonstrated. Compression ratios of ~10 and energy-conversion efficiencies >70% have been produced. Several compressor systems have been investigated, including the use of tapered waveguides, long-focal-length geometries, and generator-amplifier systems.