Abstract

Optical-damage tests were performed on multilayer dielectric mirrors containing ZnS as one of the constituents. Tests were made by use of the 1.08-μm output of a continuously pumped, repetitively Q-switched Nd: YAlO₃, laser. Two distinct types of coating damage were observed: (i) damage to the surface layer of the coating when that layer is ZnS; and (ii) damage to intermediate layers of ZnS. The damage threshold for the former is approximately 40 MW/cm² and for the latter, 105 MW/cm². Experimental evidence indicates that surface-layer damage is triggered by some change that takes place on the surface of the ZnS layer upon exposure to the atmosphere. Although the exact nature of the surface process was not determined, several methods were found for avoiding surface-layer damage.

© 1973 Optical Society of America

Optical constants and reflectance and transmittance of evaporated rhodium films in the visible*

J. K. Coulter, G. Hass, and J. B. Ramsey
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 63(9) 1149-1153 (1973)

Laser-Induced Damage Probability at 1.06 μm and 0.69 μm

Michael Bass and Harrison H. Barrett
Appl. Opt. 12(4) 690-699 (1973)

Effects of Structure, Composition, and Stress on the Laser Damage Threshold of Homogeneous and Inhomogeneous Single Films and Multilayers

R. Russel Austin, Raymond Michaud, Arthur H. Guenther, and Joseph Putman
Appl. Opt. 12(4) 665-676 (1973)

Dielectric Mirror Damage by Laser Radiation over a Range of Pulse Durations and Beam Radii

E. S. Bliss, D. Milam, and R. A. Bradbury
Appl. Opt. 12(4) 677-689 (1973)

Laser Induced Damage of Optical Elements–a Status Report

Alexander J. Glass and Arthur H. Guenther
Appl. Opt. 12(4) 637-649 (1973)