Multiparameter laser performance characterization of liquid crystals for polarization control devices in the nanosecond regime

Journal Article · 28 June 2022 · Scientific Reports

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-14974-5 · OSTI ID:1899793

Marshall, Kenneth L.; Kafka, Kyle R. P.; Urban, Nathaniel D.; Wallace, Jason U.; Demos, Stavros G.

Abstract Interactions of liquid crystals (LC’s) with polarized light have been studied widely and have spawned numerous device applications, including the fabrication of optical elements for high-power and large-aperture laser systems. Currently, little is known about both the effect of incident polarization state on laser-induced–damage threshold (LIDT) and laser-induced functional threshold (LIFT) behavior at sub-LIDT fluences under multipulse irradiation conditions. This work reports on the first study of the nanosecond-pulsed LIDT’s dependence on incident polarization for several optical devices employing oriented nematic and chiral-nematic LC’s oriented by surface alignment layers. Accelerated lifetime testing was also performed to characterize the ability of these devices to maintain their functional performance under multipulse irradiation as a function of the laser fluence at both 1053 nm and 351 nm. Results show that the LIDT varies as a function of input polarization by 30–80% within the same device, while the multipulse LIFT (which can differ from the nominal LIDT) depends on irradiation conditions such as laser fluence and wavelength.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Rochester, NY (United States). Lab. for Laser Energetics
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE; USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• Grant/Contract Number: NA0003856
• OSTI ID: 1899793
• Report Number(s): 2021-367, 1732, 2693; 10969; PII: 14974
• Journal Information: Scientific Reports, Journal Name: Scientific Reports Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 12; ISSN 2045-2322
• Publisher: Nature Publishing GroupCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United Kingdom
• Language: English