Laser Induced Damage in Solids
Abstract
Processes that can produce optical damage in transparent insulators are studied in the present work. A general discussion is given of laser induced damage which distinguishes between breakdown from intrinsic processes and damage from absorbing contaminants called inclusions. New and previously published techniques for identifying damage from inclusions are discussed and applied. A detailed summary of self-focusing theory is given. A series of controlled experiments are described which represent the first unambiguous measurements of an intrinsic damage mechanism at near-infrared and visible frequencies. Finally, a summary of avalanche breakdown theories is presented, and the implications of the experimental data for avalanche theory are discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0761168
Entities
People
- David W. Fradin
Organizations
- Harvard University