PLASMA ELECTRODE POCKELS CELLS FOR THE BEAMLET AND NIF LASERS

We describe Plasma Electrode Pockels Cells (PEPC) for the Beamlet lase r and the proposed National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser. These PEPCs , together with passive polarizers, function as large aperture (>35 x 35 cm(2)) optical switches enabling the design of high-energy (>5 kJ), multipass laser amplifiers. In a PEPC, plasma discharges form on both sides of a thin (1 cm) electro-optic crystal (KDP). These plasma disc harges produce highly conductive and transparent electrodes that facil itate rapid (<100 ns) and uniform charging of the KDP up to the halfwa ve voltage (17 kV) and back to zero volts. We discuss the operating pr inciples, design, and optical performance of the Beamlet PEPC and brie fly discuss our plans to extend PEPC technology for the NIF.