Abstract

The induced spatial incoherence (ISI) technique is a promising method for obtaining the ultra-uniform target illumination required for high-gain laser fusion.¹ Recent experiments using short-wavelength light (527 nm) have shown that ISI is also useful in controlling deleterious laser-plasma instabilities.² The ISI technique requires laser radiation with a short coherence time (τ = 1/Δν ≤ 2 ps) and, therefore, a broad bandwidth. Here we report experimental results on the production of the broad continuum spectra required for ISI. This light was produced at wavelengths of 1054 and 527 nm using the Pharos III glass laser system and a single type II potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) frequency-doubling crystal.

© 1986 Optical Society of America