Mainz 2026 – scientific programme

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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik

Q 26: Poster – Ultrashort Pulses and Strong Fields (joint session K/Q)

Q 26.19: Poster

Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 17:00–19:00, Philo 1. OG

Characterization of the Temporal Pulse Contrast for Laser-Produced Plasma Applications — •Pia Koopmann, Peer Biesterfeld, Sven Fröhlich, and Milutin Kovacev — Leibniz Universität Hannover - Institut für Quantenoptik, Welfengarten 1, 30167 Hannover, Germany

Ultrafast, high-intensity laser systems are increasingly used to generate secondary radiation sources, such as X-rays and particle beams, offering promising capabilities for scientific and industrial applications. At these intensities, even the comparatively low-intensity laser pedestals and pre-/post-pulses can exceed material ionization thresholds. In particular, the formation of pre-plasma significantly changes the interaction conditions. This can result in effects such as an increased emission of hazardous radiation. Therefore, understanding and controlling these effects is critical for optimizing secondary source performance.

We present the development of an in-house built third-order autocorrelator, designed to characterize the temporal contrast of ultrafast laser systems with high dynamic range. A third-order autocorrelator provides the sensitivity necessary to capture these features and enables systematic studies of how the temporal contrast influences plasma dynamics and the efficiency of Laser-produced plasma sources. The device is optimized to provide the high dynamic range required to resolve weak ns to ps temporal structures, such as pedestals and pre-/post-pulses, which play a decisive role in laser-matter interaction dynamics.

Keywords: Nonlinear Optics; Ultrashort Pulses; Pulse Characterization; Laser-Produced Plasma Sources