Optical coating absorption measurement for high power laser systems
A novel method has been developed for measuring surface absorption of optical coatings used in high power laser systems. Advantages of the method, which uses an infrared thermal camera to measure surface temperature and a detailed computer model of heat loss mechanisms to calculate surface absorption, include real time, non-contact measurement and in situ monitoring of optics under operational conditions. Surface absorptions ranging as low as 10/sup -5/ of the incident laser power can be measured with a 50 W test beam. The technique is used routinely to easily and quickly acquire data for coating performance sensitivity testing, coating development and for quality assessment of purchased optics. More importantly, it can identify hot absorbing coatings that are likely to fail in service or to become optically distorted in an operating laser system.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 5332175
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-93179; CONF-860117-12; ON: DE86015091
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Los Angeles symposium and exhibition on optical and electro-optical engineering, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 19 Jan 1986; Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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