Instrumentation for the Accurate Measurement and Control of Optical Phase.

Free electron lasers hold a unique place in laser physics as high power, broadly tunable sources of optical radiation with unprecedented spectral resolution, These sources are also capable of generating spectrally pure isolated optical pulses and pulse trains which are particularly well suited to spectroscopic applications conveying the capability for detection and analysis at extreme levels of sensitivity. These sources can also uniquely generate high power amplitude andor phase squeezed state radiation. The objective of this grant was to acquire and upgrade instrumentation for the accurate measurement and control of optical phase of the infrared and ultraviolet free electron laser FEL systems at Duke University, thereby enhancing the breadth of capabilities of these sources for supporting the DoD-sponsored research programs of the Laboratory and of our collaborating institutions. The instrumentation and equipment acquired with funds from this grant include a Fox-Smith Laser Resonator, infrared optical and data acquisition instrumentation, and VUVXUV optics and instrumentation. A technical paper, High-Power, Fox-Smith Resonator for Tunable, Phase-Locked Operation of an Infrared Free-Electron Laser, by Eric B. Szarmes, is attached to the report.