Interaction of pulsed CO2 laser radiation with BK7 samples

A comprehensive investigation of pulsed CO2 laser interaction with BK7 disks was carried out. The samples were irradiated with 10 microsecond CO2 laser pulses to measure laser-induced damage thresholds. Transmission characteristics were observed over a certain time interval. Damage morphology was monitored with scanning force microscopy. Thermal simulations allowed for the interpretation of the laser- induced damage process.