Effects of Vacuum on Fused Silica UV Damage

Damage points induced by 355 nm laser irradiation increase more quickly on the surface of fused silica in vacuum of about 10−3 Pa than in atmospheric air at the same fluence. The larger concentration of point defects in vacuum is confirmed by photoluminescence intensity. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and infrared absorption indicate the formation of sub-stoichiometric silica on the surface. The degradation mechanism of fused silica in vacuum is discussed.

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