Dynamics and manipulation of ultrashort laser pulses via plasma shutter

The characterization and manipulation of ultrashort high-intensity laser pulses were investigated both numerically and experimentally using an ultrathin foil as plasma shutter. Our work revealed a laser intensity enhancement with a clean and steepened leading edge when the pulse passed through an expanded moderate-density plasma. The fast dynamics of laser-plasma interaction in underdense, transparent, and overdense regimes were elucidated by measuring the temporal-spatial intensity and phase profiles of the transmitted pulses. Key nonlinear effects such as relativistic self-focusing, self-phase modulation, self-induced transparency, and hole-boring were identified as factors influencing laser pulse shaping, with their impact determined by the plasma density. Our approach allows for the robust utilization of the plasma shutter in existing laser facilities without additional requirements. By controlling the spatiotemporal properties of high-power laser pulses, it opens up the possibility for developing compact laser-driven particle accelerators, ultrabright radiation sources, and plasma photonics.