Ultra-compact grating-based monolithic optical pulse compressor for laser amplifier systems

A compact and robust grating-based monolithic optical pulse compressor is proposed. By integrating diffraction gratings onto opposite surfaces of a solid fused-silica block whose index of refraction is larger than that of air, one reduces the effective physical optical path length and hence the requisite longitudinal separation between the gratings. Furthermore, appropriate distributed Bragg reflectors coated on the two transverse surfaces of the block are used to fold the physical distance diffracted light travels between the gratings; this is accomplished by multiple reflections within the block before the beam impinges on the second grating. Ultimately, the combined effects of the Bragg reflectors and the optically dense solid block contribute to reducing the physical volume of the compressor. Two approaches for analyzing the function of the proposed compressor are presented. Parameters from a conventional compressor are used to validate the method for a comparative calculation of the volumes of the new and conventional compressor system. (C) 2016 Optical Society of America