Damage Threshold Studies of Glass Laser Materials
Abstract
A summary of recent investigations of surface damage of transparent dielectrics is presented. For 30 nsec pulses at normal incidence, exit surface damage thresholds are typically 100 j/sq cm for ED-2 laser glass. Asymmetry between the entrance and exit surface damage thresholds is explained by considering electric field strengths at the surfaces. The morphology of surface damage is described and a model based upon reflections from the laser induced plasma is proposed. The problem of Platinum inclusions is not completely solved. Careful attention to the melting procedure has produced glass capable of withstanding energy densities much higher than the 10-20 j/sq cm (30 nsec) limit of several years ago. Continuation of this approach holds promise of completely eliminating Platinum inclusions from laser glass.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0752549
Entities
People
- G. Dube
- L. Spanoudis
- M. D. Crisp
- N. L. Boling
- P. R. Wengert