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Surface Damage Growth Mitigation on KDP/DKDP Optics Using Single-Crystal Diamond Micro-Machining

Conference ·
OSTI ID:15005752

A process whereby laser-initiated surface damage on KDP/DKDP optics is removed by spot micro-machining using a high-speed drill and a single-crystal diamond bit, is shown to mitigate damage growth for subsequent laser shots. Our tests show that machined dimples on both surfaces of an AR coated doubler (KDP) crystal are stable, for 526nm, {approx} 3.2ns pulses at {approx} 12J/cm{sup 2} fluences. Other tests also confirmed that the machined dimples on both surfaces of an AR coated tripler (DKDP) crystal are stable, for 351nm, {approx} 3ns pulses at {approx} 8J/cm{sup 2}. We have demonstrated successful mitigation of laser-initiated surface damage sites as large as 0.14mm diameter on DKDP, for up to 1000 shots at 351nm, 13J/cm{sup 2}, {approx} 11ns pulse length, and up to 10 shots at 351nm, 8J/cm{sup 2}, 3ns. Details of the method are presented, including estimates for the heat generated during micro-machining and a plan to implement this method to treat pre-initiated or retrieved-from-service, large-scale optics for use in high-peak-power laser applications.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Department of Energy (US)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
15005752
Report Number(s):
UCRL-CONF-153480
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English