Optics of high-power solid-state lasers: Problems of achieving ultimate performance

We consider the main optical problems related to the development of lasers with ultrashort pulses and high peak power. The main attention is paid to t he architecture of lasers with pulse compression, which makes it possible t o considerably improve laser emission characteristics compared with those o f lasers with direct amplification of short pulses. This is achieved by sup pression of nonlinear effects due to amplification of longer laser pulses. The main nonlinear effects that restrict brightness of the solid-state lase r emission and methods of pulse compression employed in development of a ne w class of lasers are discussed. (C) 1998 The Optical Society of America. [ S1070-9762(98)00612-5].