High Power Laser Science and Engineering, Volume. , Issue , ()

Apollon Real-Time Adaptive Optics (ARTAO) - Astronomy-Inspired Wavefront Stabilization in Ultraintense Lasers [Early Posting]

Ohland Jonas, Lebas Nathalie, Deo Vincent, Guyon Olivier, Mathieu Francois, Audebert patrick, Papadopoulos Dimitrios
Author Affiliations
  • GSI Helmholtzzentrum fur Schwerionenforschung GmbH
  • LULI
  • National Astronomical Observatory of Japan Subaru Telescope
  • The University of Arizona College of Optical Sciences
  • Ecole Polytechnique
  • Ecole Polytech, CNRS
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    Traditional wavefront control in high-energy, high-intensity laser systems usually lacks real-time capability, failing to address dynamic aberrations. This limits experimental accuracy due to shot-to-shot fluctuations and necessitates long cool-down phases to mitigate thermal effects, particularly as higher repetition rates become essential, e.g. in Inertial Fusion research. This paper details the development and implementation of a real-time capable adaptive optics system at the Apollon laser facility. Inspired by astronomical adaptive optics, the system uses a fiber-coupled 905 nm laser diode as a pilot beam that allows for spectral separation, bypassing the constraints of pulsed lasers. A GPU-based controller, built on the open-source CACAO framework, manages a loop comprising a bimorph deformable mirror and high-speed Shack-Hartmann sensor. Initial tests showed excellent stability and effective aberration correction. However, integration into the Apollon laser revealed critical challenges unique to the laser environment that must be resolved to ensure safe operation with amplified shots.

    Paper Information

    Manuscript Accepted: Jan. 17, 2025

    Posted: Feb. 14, 2025

    DOI: HPL-0242