High intensity lasers for gamma-gamma colliders

Compton backscattering of laser photons near the interaction point of an e+ e− or e− e− collider can be used to produce a γ-γ or γ-e− collider. This paper describes the laser requirements, including pulse duration, intensity, energy, and wavelength, for such a collider. For most of the proposed, next generation, e+ e− colliders, the laser wavelength should be in the near-infrared, with a pulse duration of 1 ps or less and an energy of ∼ 1 J per pulse. Current chirped pulse amplification laser systems in solid state lasing materials are well suited to meet these requirements. These systems are described.