Optical damage and self-damage in semiconductor laser materials

Experimental data are reviewed on optical damage phenomena occurring underexternal laser irradiation and self-damage phenomena in semiconductor laser materials. Laser irradiation damage threshold is found much higher for monochromatic emission within the transparency range than in absorption range. Different physical models are considered critically to explain experimental data and discuss measures for improvement of the optical 'strength' of laser materials. It is discussed also that calculated thermal balance for semiconductor laser self- damage is not in good agreement with observation of damaging that shows signs of thermal destructive process.