Direct generation of 10-mJ ultrafast vortex pulses from a thin-disk regenerative amplifier

While ultrafast vortex laser technology progresses towards achieving higher peak powers, the generation of high-energy ultrafast vortex pulses remains a significant challenge. Here, we present a vortex regenerative amplifier that directly produces high-energy ultrafast vortex pulses with energies of more than 10 mJ at a repetition rate of 1 kHz for both the HG 0,1 and LG 0,1 modes. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the highest vortex pulse energy generated directly from an intracavity setup to date. Our approach is based on the integration of a defect mirror into a thin-disk regenerative amplifier. This compact and stable system demonstrates the potential for direct intracavity generation of high-energy ultrafast vortex pulses, serving as a foundation for the development of systems capable of producing hundred-millijoule-level femtosecond vortex pulses.