High power ultrafast excimer lasers

Rare-gas–halide excimer lasers are suitable for the production of extremely high peak brightness output in the ultraviolet. The basic properties of these systems are examined and the various techniques employed to produce high power (multiterawatt) operation are described. A specific system using short-pulse injection is examined and its ability to focus to intensities above ∼1019 W cm−2 is discussed. Various applications of such high intensity subpicosecond light sources are also considered.