Laser-induced damage in beta-barium metaborate

Laser‐induced damage in beta‐barium metaborate (BBO) has been investigated at the wavelengths of 1064, 532, and 355 nm. The single‐shot bulk damage threshold of BBO is 50 GW/cm2 at 1064 nm, 48 GW/cm2 at 532 nm, and 25 GW/cm2 at 355 nm. Damage by multiple pulse irradiation has also been studied and the probabilistic nature of the damage is discussed. Brief comments are also made on the morphology of the damage.