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Fracture Induced Sub-Band Absorption as a Precursor to Optical Damage on Fused Silica Surfaces

Journal Article · · Optics Letters
OSTI ID:992760
The optical damage threshold of indentation induced flaws on fused silica surfaces was explored. Mechanical flaws were characterized by laser damaged testing, SEM, optical, and photoluminescence microscopy. Localized polishing, chemical etching, and the control of indentation morphology were used to isolate the structural features which limit optical damage. A thin defect layer on fracture surfaces, including those smaller than the wavelength of visible light, was found to be the dominant source of laser damage initiation during illumination with 355nm, 3ns laser pulses. Little evidence was found that either displaced or densified material or fluence intensification plays a significant role in optical damage at fluences >35J/cm{sup 2}. Elimination of the defect layer was shown to increase the overall damage performance of fused silica optics.
Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
992760
Report Number(s):
LLNL-JRNL-426084
Journal Information:
Optics Letters, Journal Name: Optics Letters Journal Issue: 16 Vol. 35; ISSN 0146-9592; ISSN OPLEDP
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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