For the LMJ (Laser MegaJoule) project, a programmable low- voltage temporal pulse shaping system of the fiber laser pilot beam is required. A possible solution consists of a LiNbO₃ integrated optical amplitude modulator driven by a programmable electrical waveform generator. Thomson Microsonics has addressed this solution and this paper presents the results of the preliminary study supported partially by CEA fundings. We report the TMX original approach for the design of the non trivial fast waveform generator (based on low cost components) and the fully compliance with the requirements of a first subscale prototype. We present then the first very promising experimental results on a `proton exchange' processed amplitude modulator which exhibits insertion losses and on- off ratio in compliance with the requirements.

Date Published: 8 December 1997
PDF: 5 pages
Proc. SPIE 3047, Solid State Lasers for Application to Inertial Confinement Fusion: Second Annual International Conference, (8 December 1997); doi: 10.1117/12.294352

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 3047:
Solid State Lasers for Application to Inertial Confinement Fusion: Second Annual International Conference
Michel L. Andre, Editor(s)