A one dimensional numeric model of the chirped pulse amplification of broadband laser light by an amplifier with broadband gain spectrum

We have developed a one dimensional numeric simulation of the amplification of broadband laser light in a chirped pulse amplification (CPA) system containing an amplifier with a broadband gain spectrum. We present the theory concerning the generation of laser pulses and pulse shape altering effects. We model the amplification of monochromatic light in a narrow bandwidth amplifier as demonstrated by Lee M. Frantz and John S. Nodvik in their 1963 paper. Using the CPA method, we expand this model to describe the amplification of broadband laser pulses by an amplifier with a broadband gain profile. This model represents systems that are dominated by inhomogeneous broadening, as well as homogeneous broadening effects. Our model also addresses the effects of gain saturation within the amplifier. We present the theory supporting this model and discuss its implementation in a LabView hosted environment. We then present results modeled for several systems.