On-shot, high-intensity laser aberration measurements via ponderomotive electron ejection

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We present a technique to assess the spatial aberration content of a focused multiterawatt laser when fired at full power. This method leverages the direct detection of electrons ponderomotively accelerated from the focal volume formed in a low-pressure gaseous backfill. Our results show that the spatial distribution of emitted electrons exhibits distinct features correlated to the laser aberration type and magnitude. This work represents progress toward the complete and accurate in situ spatiotemporal characterization of focused high-intensity lasers.