PETAL, a high energy peta-watt laser: performances and behaviour simulation

PETAL is a peta-watt laser dedicated to the studies of laser-plasma interactions. PETAL shares experimental facilities with the Mega-joule laser (LMJ) at CEA - Cesta. It has already produced a 10¹⁵ W, 700 fs long impulse. The characterization of such a laser beam has required the development of specific diagnostic tools and the use of simulation codes. The energy produced is now limited by the resistance of the end-of-line mirrors to laser beam damage. An experimental study of such damages has been launched to push the technological boundaries. (A.C.)