A new device for high repetition rate plasma mirrors for petawatt class lasers using liquid crystal films

The full use of high repetition rate (HRR, >1 Hz) PW class lasers is currently hindered by limitations in target insertion, diagnostics, real time data analysis and more. In particular, HRR plasma mirrors (PMs) are necessary for some experiments either for pulse contrast enhancement or beam redirection. We have previously shown the ability to form quality PMs using films made of the liquid crystal 8CB, including varying thicknesses films (10 nm to >1 μm) for use as targets for ion acceleration, plasma mirrors for pulse contrast enhancement at 1 shot/minute repetition rates, and beam redirection for laser accelerated electrons at the BELLA Center (LBL). Here we describe a new device that can deliver 20 nm thick 8CB LC films for use as plasma mirrors at repetition rates of 1 Hz with good film flatness and improved pointing stability and robustness at a very low cost per film. We also discuss the use of other liquid crystals, including discotic liquid crystals.

This work was supported in part by the Department of Energy (DOE) under DE-SC0018192.