Physical Aspects Of Laser-Induced Damage Of Optical Coatings

The motivation for research on laser induced damage in optical thin films is quite obvious to any individual working with high power lasers, since the principal limiting constraint in the design and operation of high power laser systems is performance degradation due to the interaction of intense coherent light with optical elements in the system. It is of concern in the normal operation of high power laser systems and in the design and performance of efficient lasers. Increased power loading (watts per square centimeter of laser irradiation) would enable the design, fabrication, and utilization of more compact laser systems with greater yield and lighter weight, which, for most applications, offer tremendous advantages. Mechanisms involved in laser induced damage in optical thin films will be discussed.