Chirped pulse amplification

Chirped Pulse Amplification (CPA) is a technique that allows extremely powerful laser light to be produced without damaging equipment. It works by first stretching a very short, high-intensity laser pulse so its energy is spread out over a longer time, reducing its peak power. The stretched pulse is then amplified to increase its energy, and finally, it is recompressed back into a very short, intense pulse. This method enables scientists to generate high-energy, ultra-short laser bursts used in applications like medical treatments, materials research, and nuclear fusion, while preventing damage to the laser components.