Design, optical characterization, and operation of large transmission gratings for the laser integration line and laser megajoule facilities

Abstract

Within the framework of the laser integration line (LIL) and the laser megajoule, we describe the design, optical characterization, mounting, alignment, and operation on the LIL of large 420 mm × 470 mm transmission gratings. Two types of grating were manufactured. The first, operating at a wavelength of 1.053 μm, was used for deviation purposes. The second, operating at a wavelength of 0.351 μm, was used for both deviation and focusing purposes. We demonstrate that these large transmission gratings are suitable for nanosecond-regime operation on high-power laser faculties. © 2005 Optical Society of America.