Damage Threshold Studies of Glass Laser Materials.
Abstract
Results of studies of Q-switched laser damage to transparent uncoated dielectric surfaces are presented. Some findings are also applicable to damage of optical coatings. Studies of damage morphology and threshold for several different glasses show that a bright plasma does not invariably accompany surface damage. Consequently, studies of surface damage that are based on the appearance of a visible plasma may lead to incorrect inferences regarding thresholds and mechanisms. The morphology of aplasmic damage, along with other evidence, strongly suggests that this damage is caused by absorption by submicron inclusion near the surface, and not electron avalanche. Polishing compound and process can be major factors determining damage threshold. Elimination of scratches from the surface is not a sufficient condition for raising the threshold. Construction of a high energy density laser operating at 30 ns is also described. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0767049
Entities
People
- George Dube
- N. L. Boling