CEA Engineer

Following my PhD studies, I worked for the Atomic Energy Commissariat (CEA) for a project of high power laser chain characterization (one of the most powerful laser chain - 60kJ at 1064nm and 20kJ at 355nm).

ENOLIT (NOn linear Effects on the Integration Laser Line - 60kJ)

Duration of the project: 13 months

Objectives of the project:

The aim of the project was the Raman effects measurement this laser chain in the air. These effects due to the nonlinear rotationnal Raman scattering of dinitrogen molecules in air - propagation along more than 40 meters, could induce strong energy lost prejudicial to the good laser chain operating. This characterization was essential to design and optimize the laser beams optical paths of the future Laser Mega Joule project (LMJ).

Tasks realized:

Evaluation of the previous measurement system

Suggestion of another measutement technique. Acceptance of the new solution by the laboratory chief.

Optical and optomechanical conception of the new Raman metrology platform.

Tools / Methods / Environment:

Optical conception under Zemax

Data analysis under MathLab, IDL

Working in clean room (class 10 to 100,000) on high dimension optics (60 cm x 60 cm)

Results:

The new optical instrument developed worked very well and showed that unwanted effects were more important versus theoritical prediction. Some decisions had been taken so as to limit the energy lost due to the Raman effects (put some parts of the laser beam under argon atmosphere).

Position characteristics:

Optical simulations

Opto-mechanical conception

Huge scientific installation environment

Clean room work