The Center for High Energy Density Science

The Center for High Energy Density Science (CHEDS) studies the interaction of ultra-intense laser light with matter. These laser-matter interactions create extreme and exotic conditions in the laboratory. Our research can be applied to diverse fields including astrophysics, fusion research, and ultrafast radiation source development.


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In 2008 we demonstrated operation of the Texas Petawatt Laser to the power of 1.1 Petawatt (1015 W) which was for a time the world's highest laser power output. The pulse contained 186 J of energy and was only 167 fs in duration. The laser is based on optical parametric chirped pulse amplification (OPCPA) and mixed Nd:glass amplification.