Shaping of laser pulses in an amplifying system receiving input signals with a variable spectrum

A theoretical analysis is made of the control of the shape of laser pulses leaving a system comprising a master oscillator and an amplifier. A pulse with a time-controlled spectral composition is applied to the input of the amplifying system. Scanning of the spectral line of the input signal in the gain band of the system during a pulse can be used to vary the output power within a wide range. Examples of a master oscillator and of a unit for shaping of input pulses with a variable spectrum are considered. An expression is obtained for the necessary rate of variation of the input signal wavelength. The results are given of a numerical calculation of spectral-temporal characteristics of an input pulse needed to obtain an output pulse of required form in an amplifier utilizing neodymium-doped phosphate glass.