Dynamic characteristics analysis and realization of a high-repetition, high-energy, and high-power thin disk regenerative amplifier

This paper presents a comprehensive theoretical and numerical analysis of a thin disk regenerative amplifier (RA) based on the Frantz-Nodvik equations. By analyzing key dynamic parameters, such as seed energy, pump power, repetition frequency, and round trips, the study provides a method to obtain the optimal operational parameters for maximizing both pulse energy and conversion efficiency. A highly stable, double-pass thin disk regenerative amplifier with a Fourier transform resonator was developed. Experimental results systematically validate the RA's output characteristics across different dynamical regions, confirming the theoretical predictions of stable-unstable boundaries and energy extraction mechanisms. After 36 round-trip amplifications, an average output power of 205.2 W, pulse width of 100 ps, and single pulse energy of 10.25 mJ at a 20 kHz repetition frequency under 309 W pump power is obtained. The optical-to-optical efficiency reached 66.4%. After compression, an average power of 164 W with a pulse width of 3.5 ps was achieved, with beam quality factors of <i>M</i>_<i>X</i>² = 1.07 and <i>M_Y</i>² = 1.09. The theoretical analysis and experimental results will support the research of high-repetition, high-energy, and high-power thin disk regenerative amplifiers.