Laser Sciences Department (LAS)
The Laser Sciences Department (LAS) supports the development and operational deployment of optical laser systems for the LCLS user facility.
We facilitate the science mission of LCLS by interfacing with instrument teams and other SRD science departments to identify and fulfill experimental needs. This includes defining and executing strategic R&D projects to enhance our optical laser capabilities.
Department Subgroups
The Laser Sciences Department features four sub-groups each focused on aspects of our R&D portfolio.
The Advanced Laser Sources group leads the scientific development of drive laser sources across LCLS. This includes support of the operation of these sources, exploration of new approaches and techniques for drive laser sources, and coordination with the MEC department to support high-energy and high-intensity laser capabilities.
The group maintains a strong connection with the Laser Engineering department, who support the day-to-day operation and maintenance of systems in addition to supporting projects to implement new developments.
Highlights
- high-power laser systems including OPCPA and pulse compression of 1um laser sources
- conventional Ti:Sapphire systems and the MEC glass laser system
- future MEC-U Petawatt and kJ laser systems
- accelerator laser systems and XFEL laser science
The Ultrafast Metrology and Methods group leads the development of techniques to characterize key optical laser and laser timing performance parameters. This includes driving developments to improve integration of laser sources and measurement techniques in LCLS beamlines and ensuring these are consistent with the science mission. This also includes support of mobile laser systems, such as the nanosecond lasers typically used in Bio experiments.
Highlights
- deployment of engineered laser sources at LCLS
- scientific timing developments for LCLS experiments
- laser characterization and control
The Mid-infrared and Terahertz Sources group leads the development of strong-field THz and far-infrared laser sources. This includes integration and support of these sources in LCLS and UED user experiments and coordination with other Materials Sciences department and in-house science program on manipulation of matter with THz fields.
Highlights
- THz and IR sources for LCLS science
- in-house science program using new sources to enable early science at LCLS-II
- ASC THz lab as space for collaborative efforts, available to both internal and external users
The Ultrafast Visible and Ultraviolet Pulses group leads the development of ultrafast secondary sources in the UV-visible spectral range. This includes support of the implementation of these sources in experiments and coordination with other science departments, AMOS and Chemical Sciences in particular, to understand and respond to future needs, with a goal of fully exploiting UV and visible laser sources in LCLS experiments.
Highlights
- conventional crystal based harmonic generation, OPA + mixing techniques
- spectral broadening & pulse compression
- novel approaches to UV-vis generation for high average power application
Collaborative Efforts
We work closely with our colleagues in the Laser Engineering department on everything from day-to-day operations to large-scale upgrade projects. Our research efforts involve collaboration with internal SLAC and Stanford groups as well as external institutions. Also, we host students and interns to foster connections with the community.
To ensure consistent training and application of laser safety practices and policies throughout the facility, the Laser Sciences Department works closely with the SLAC Laser Safety Officer.
