Plasma Formation upon Laser Irradiation of Transparent Dielectric Materials below the Damage Threshold.
Abstract
The interaction of high power laser (ruby or neodymium-glass) radiation with ostensibly transparent materials has been the object of increasing research in recent years. Even at power levels below the threshold for either surface or internal damage, the emission of both positive and negative ions and of high energy radiation has been detected. Both linear and nonlinear absorption mechanisms have been proposed, and plasma initiation has been attributed to such factors as surface contaminants, surface defects, internal impurities, and free carrier absorption. In this paper, the experimental procedures, results, and interpretations of several of these investigations will be reviewed. Although the residual ion emission can be greatly reduced by careful pre-cleaning and handling procedures, it can not be eliminated entirely; the ramifications of this conclusion must be considered in the analysis of experiments in which damage is observed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0727143
Entities
People
- B. E. Henderson
- D. L. Rousseau
- George E. Leroi
- R. R. Getty
Organizations
- Michigan State University