The mobile ultrafast high energy laser facility - A new facility for high-intensity atmospheric laser propagation studies. (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thul, D.; Bernath, R.; Bodnar, N.; Kerrigan, H.; Reyes, D.; Peña, J.; Roumayah, P.; Shah, L.; Maukonen, D.; Bradford, J.; Baudelet, M.; Fairchild, S. Rostami; Richardson, M.
• Is Part Of: Optics and lasers in engineering. Volume 140(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: Filamentation -- Atmospheric propagation -- Ultrafast sources -- High-energy lasers; Lasers in engineering -- Periodicals; Optical measurements -- Periodicals; Optics -- Periodicals; Lasers en ingénierie -- Périodiques; Mesures optiques -- Périodiques; Optique -- Périodiques; 621.36605
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optlaseng.2020.106519
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-8166

Abstract

Highlights: Implementation of filament applications in practical settings requires robust field testing facilities. The MU-HELF is a compact, stable ultrafast source providing multi-terawatt outputs suitable for long-range filament studies. The associated testing infrastructure enables the characterization of multi-filament atmospheric propagation while recording metrological conditions. Preliminary studies have demonstrated accurate filament measurements and the first demonstration of large scale engineered filament arrays at 1 km. Abstract: We present the design, performance, and initial activation of the Mobile Ultrafast High Energy Laser Facility, a 5 TW near-infrared laser source located on a multi-km test range at Kennedy Space Center. The system is compact, readily transportable, and provides a robust, tunable output suitable for long range studies of high intensity laser propagation. The supporting testing infrastructure, which includes stand-alone beam diagnostic stations and atmospheric monitoring capabilities, makes this facility ideal for the development of stand-off high energy ultrafast applications and fundamental studies of atmospheric laser science.