Abstract

Optical components for large-aperture laser systems may contain a number of defect (damage) sites formed as a result of exposure to the propagating laser beam. When exposed to high-power laser irradiation, a number of damage sites tend to grow. In this work, we explore fluorescence microscopy and optical coherence tomography for the characterization of such defect sites. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrates the presence of a layer of highly emissive, and therefore absorbing, modified material. Optical coherence tomography can image the network of cracks formed around the core of the damage site. This information may be useful for the application of a mitigation process to prevent damage growth.

©2002 Optical Society of America

Initiation of laser-induced damage sites in fused silica optical components

Bertrand Bertussi, Philippe Cormont, Stéphanie Palmier, Philippe Legros, and Jean-Luc Rullier
Opt. Express 17(14) 11469-11479 (2009)

Investigation of processes leading to damage growth in optical materials for large-aperture lasers

Stavros G. Demos, Mike Staggs, and Mark R. Kozlowski
Appl. Opt. 41(18) 3628-3633 (2002)

Application of fluorescence microscopy for noninvasive detection of surface contamination and precursors to laser-induced damage

Stavros G. Demos and Mike Staggs
Appl. Opt. 41(10) 1977-1983 (2002)

Investigation of stress induced by CO2 laser processing of fused silica optics for laser damage growth mitigation

Laurent Gallais, Philippe Cormont, and Jean-Luc Rullier
Opt. Express 17(26) 23488-23501 (2009)

Time-resolved imaging of processes associated with exit-surface damage growth in fused silica following exposure to nanosecond laser pulses

Stavros G. Demos, Rajesh N. Raman, and Raluca A. Negres
Opt. Express 21(4) 4875-4888 (2013)