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Single- and multiple-shot laser-damage properties of commercial grade PMMA

Journal Article · · Appl. Opt.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.23.000682· OSTI ID:6791311
In this paper, we describe a facility to study laser damage in plastics and present single- and multiple-shot bulk damage results obtained in commercial polymethylmethacrylate with 1.06-..mu..m wavelength, 8-nsec FWHM, 45-..mu..m spot diameter pulses. The measured single-shot peak fluence damage threshold is 41 J/cm/sup 2/. Multiple-shot damage was studied at fluence levels as low as 6% of the single-shot damage threshold. Scattered collinear He--Ne laser light was found to be a very reliable indicator of damage, especially at the lower fluence levels. Histograms of damage statistics and 100 x microscopy of the material after illumination with fewer than the critical numbers of pulses required for damage illustrate the cumulative nature of the damage process.
Research Organization:
Air Force Systems Command, Frank J. Seiler Research Laboratory, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80840
OSTI ID:
6791311
Journal Information:
Appl. Opt.; (United States), Journal Name: Appl. Opt.; (United States) Vol. 23:5; ISSN APOPA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English