Initiation, Growth and Mitigation of UV Laser Induced Damage in Fused Silica
Laser damage of large fused silica optics initiates at imperfections. Possible initiation mechanisms are considered. We demonstrate that a model based on nanoparticle explosions is consistent with the observed initiation craters. Possible mechanisms for growth upon subsequent laser irradiation, including material modification and laser intensification, are discussed. Large aperture experiments indicate an exponential increase in damage size with number of laser shots. Physical processes associated with this growth and a qualitative explanation of self-accelerated growth is presented. Rapid growth necessitates damage growth mitigation techniques. Several possible mitigation techniques are mentioned, with special emphasis on CO{sub 2} processing. Analysis of material evaporation, crack healing, and thermally induced stress are presented.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 15002011
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-JC-144463; TRN: US200408%%31
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: XXXIII Annual Symposium on Optical Materials for High Power Lasers, Boulder, CO (US), 10/01/2001--10/03/2001; Other Information: PBD: 21 Dec 2001
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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