Laser Induced Optical Damage in Solids

Abstract

This report examines some of the many mechanisms that lead to catastrophic damage of solids by high intensity optical radiation. Both surface and bulk damage are explored including: the different mechanisms of avalanche breakdown, thermal runaway, acoustic damage, nonlinear effects, the role of plasmas in damage, and the effects of surface preparation on damage thresholds. The relevant radiation and material characteristics are given for each damage mechanism, and the damage thresholds for a variety of materials are reported. Suggestions are offered on ways to raise the threshold for optical damage.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA240124

Entities

People

  • Edward J. Sharp
  • Gary L. Wood

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Climate Change
  • Color Centers
  • Crystals
  • Electric Fields
  • Electro-Optics
  • Electron Density
  • Energy Bands
  • Free Electrons
  • Laser Beams
  • Lasers
  • Optical Materials
  • Optical Phenomena
  • Optical Properties
  • Optics
  • Semiconductors
  • Standing Waves
  • Test And Evaluation

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.
  • Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Structures.
  • Theoretical Analysis.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy