Arbitrarily structured laser pulses

Spatiotemporal control refers to a class of optical techniques for structuring a laser pulse with coupled spacetime-dependent properties, including moving focal points, dynamic spot sizes, and evolving orbital angular momenta. Here we introduce the concept of arbitrarily structured laser (ASTRL) pulses, which generalizes these techniques. The ASTRL formalism employs a superposition of prescribed pulses to create a desired electromag-netic field structure. Several examples illustrate the versatility of ASTRL pulses to address a broad range of laser-based applications, including laser wakefield acceleration, inertial confinement fusion, nanophotonics, and attosecond physics.

Automated summary

Spatiotemporal control refers to optical techniques that structure laser pulses with spacetime-dependent properties. The concept of arbitrarily structured laser (ASTRL) pulses is introduced, which generalizes these techniques. ASTRL pulses can be used for various laser-based applications, including laser wakefield acceleration, inertial confinement fusion, nanophotonics, and attosecond physics.