Experimental creation of volume diffraction gratings in ozone using interfering ultraviolet lasers

The final optics in a laser-driven Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) plant must withstand intense radiation from the target during continuous operation. Manufacturing optics that are resilient to these harsh conditions is a significant challenge. To tackle this problem, we can create optics in gases. Interfering ultraviolet lasers are used to induce density modulations in an ozone-oxygen mixture, allowing it to act as a volume diffraction grating. These transient optics are intrinsically debris-resistant and feature significantly higher damage thresholds than conventional optics, making them suitable for the extreme environment near Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) targets. In this study, we created an ozone grating using the 4th harmonic of an Nd:YAG laser. We demonstrated the efficient diffraction of a probe beam by the structured gas and investigated several key properties of the system. Our experimental findings match a theoretical model for gas gratings and suggest optimal parameters for their effective use.