Abstract

Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the cause of degradation of two quartz polarizers used in conjunction with a cw UV laser. UV transmission spectra and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic measurements of the damaged optic and laser-induced photolysis of one of the adhesives used to hold the polarizer in position indicate that the degradation is most probably a result of UV photolysis of adhesive residue. It would therefore be prudent to avoid use of all organic adhesives in UV laser optics. An alternative method of holding a quartz beam splitter without adhesives is described and is currently being used.

© 1993 Optical Society of America

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