A multipass chirped pulse amplification system outfitted with a single-grating, simultaneous spatial and temporal focusing (SSTF) compressor platform is provided. Such a system provides the ability to vary the beam aspect ratio of an SSTF beam, and thus the degree of pulse-front tilt at a focus, while maintaining a net zero-dispersion system. The optical system may include a first optical element or set of optical elements that receives and then varies a pulse-front tilt of a light beam, and a second optical element or set of optical elements that focuses the light beam having the varied pulse-front tilt that is output by the first optical element or set of optical elements. The first optical element or set of optical elements includes an optical grating, two dihedrals, and a retroflector roof mirror.