Abstract

The Large Optics Coating Operation at Sandia National Laboratories routinely produces anti-reflection (AR) coatings for the large optics of the ZBacklighter lasers. The coatings are based on hafnia/silica layer pairs deposited by electron beam evaporation in Sandia’s large optics coater. The AR performance requirements are at 1054 nm or 527 nm or dual wavelength at both 1054 nm and 527 nm, and at angles of incidence (AOIs) ranging from 0^o to 45^o. Some cases call for a low but not the lowest reflectivity achievable. All must exhibit high laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT). We have conducted reflectivity, design and laser damage comparisons of these AR coatings. Our reflectivity measurements of AR coated optics are on Sandia’s large optics reflectometer and compare the performance of an AR design in 17 different coating runs. We also compare LIDTs for S and P polarizations of AR coatings at non-normal AOIs. Our AR designs are for achievement of very low as well as nominal AR in dual wavelength coatings at 1054 nm and 527 nm. Our LIDTs are based on the NIF-MEL protocol.

© 2010 Optical Society of America