Improved method for laser damage testing coated optics

Michael R. Borden; James A. Folta; Christopher J. Stolz; John R. Taylor; Justin E. Wolfe; Andrew J. Griffin; Michael D. Thomas

doi:10.1117/12.637825

7 February 2006 Improved method for laser damage testing coated optics

Michael R. Borden, James A. Folta, Christopher J. Stolz, John R. Taylor, Justin E. Wolfe, Andrew J. Griffin, Michael D. Thomas

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 5991, Laser-Induced Damage in Optical Materials: 2005; 59912A (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.637825
Event: Boulder Damage Symposium XXXVII: Annual Symposium on Optical Materials for High Power Lasers, 2005, Boulder, CO, United States

Abstract

The laser damage test for qualifying a coating run of anti-reflection coated optics consists of scanning a pulsed 1064 nm laser to illuminate approximately 2400 sites over a 1 cm x 1 cm area on a test sample. Scans are repeated at 3 J/cm² increments until the fluence specification for the optic is reached. In the past, initiation of 1 or more damage sites was classified as a failed coating run, requiring the production optics in the corresponding coating lot be reworked and recoated. Recent laser damage growth tests of 300 repetitive pulses performed on numerous damage sites revealed that all were stable up to 20 J/cm². Therefore the acceptance criteria has been modified to allow a moderate number of damage sites, as long as they are smaller than the allowed dig size and are stable (do not grow). Consequently many coating runs that previously would have been rejected are now accepted, resulting in higher yield, lower cost, and improved delivery schedule. The new test also provides assurance that initiated damage sites are stable during long term operation.

Citation Download Citation

Michael R. Borden, James A. Folta, Christopher J. Stolz, John R. Taylor, Justin E. Wolfe, Andrew J. Griffin, and Michael D. Thomas "Improved method for laser damage testing coated optics", Proc. SPIE 5991, Laser-Induced Damage in Optical Materials: 2005, 59912A (7 February 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.637825

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