Non-solid non-rigid optics for high-power laser systems

Abstract

Non-solid and non-rigid optics employ gas and liquid transmission and reflection, as well as flexible membranes to influence laser beams, laser driven particle beams and harmonic generators. Some examples are acoustic gratings, phase conjugate mirrors, Raman cells, gas-jets, gas and flame lenses, gas capillaries, plasma cones, mercury mirrors and rotating and aerodynamic windows. Industrial scale laser propulsion, laser fusion, laser accelerators, lithography and laser isotope separation will necessitate handling average beam powers very different from present day single shot demonstrations. Standard solid state optics may prove incapable of handling such conditions.