High-energy bow tie multi-pass cells for nonlinear spectral broadening applications

Multi-pass cells (MPCs) have emerged as very attractive tools for spectral broadening and post-compression applications. We discuss pulse energy limitations of standard MPCs considering basic geometrical scaling principles and introduce a novel energy scaling method using a MPC arranged in a bow tie geometry. Employing nonlinear pulse propagation simulations, we numerically demonstrate the compression of 125 mJ, 1 ps pulses to 50 fs using a compact 2 m long setup and outline routes to extend our approach into the Joule-regime.

Automated summary

The article discusses the potential advantages of multi-pass cells (MPCs) in spectral broadening and post-compression applications. It introduces a novel energy scaling method using a bow tie geometry for MPCs. Numerical simulations demonstrate the successful compression of high-energy, long pulses into shorter pulses, and suggest possible routes for extending the method to higher energy levels.