CO/sub 2/-laser polishing of fused silica surfaces for increased laser damage resistance at 1. 06. mu. m
Bare fused silica surfaces were prepared by subjecting the mechanically polished surface to a rastered cw CO/sub 2/ laser beam. Analysis shows that this processing causes: (a) removal of a uniform layer of fused silica; and (b) a probable re-fusing or healing of existing subsurface fractures. The fused silica removal rate is found to be a function of the laser intensity and scan rate. These surfaces are seen to have very low scatter and to be very smooth. In addition, they have exhibited entrance surface damage thresholds at 1.06 ..mu..m, and 1 nsec, which are substantially above those seen on the mechanically polished surface. When damage does occur, it tends to be at a few isolated points rather than the general uniform damage seen on the mechanicaly polished part. In addition to the damage results, we will discuss an observational technique used for viewing these surfaces which employs dark-field illumination.
- Research Organization:
- Naval Weapons Center, China Lake, CA (USA). Michelson Labs.; California Univ., Livermore (USA). Lawrence Livermore Lab.
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 5504111
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-84247; CONF-7910130-2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
360204* -- Ceramics
Cermets
& Refractories-- Physical Properties
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON DIOXIDE
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
HEATING
LASER-RADIATION HEATING
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PLASMA HEATING
POLISHING
SILICON COMPOUNDS
SILICON OXIDES
SURFACE FINISHING
SURFACES