Status of the ZEUS laser user facility

The Zettawatt Equivalent Ultrashort pulse laser System (ZEUS) at the University of Michigan will be a 3-Petawatt laser system that has been funded by the National Science Foundation. It will operate as a user facility, offering access through an independent review process, to explore high-field science and applications. The first experiments expected in late 2023. The system has been designed to be flexible, with 3 independent target areas offering different configurations. When characterized, the laser generated ultrashort secondary sources - electron beams, betatron x-rays, ion or neutron sources - may also be offered to users for applications beyond laser-plasma interaction physics. Target Area 1 offers the possibility to split the 3-PW pulse into 2.5-PW and 500-TW, allowing a colliding beam geometry, with one large f-number focusing optic designed for laser wakefield acceleration (LWFA) experiments. Target Area 2 will offer double plasma mirror and short focusing to achieve high-contrast and high-intensity. Target Area 3 is limited to 500-TW pulses, but can operate with 5-Hz bursts. Additionally, a modest long-pulse capability will be available to drive pump-probe experiments.