Theoretical model for high-power diamond laser optics using high-velocity liquid-metal jet impingement cooling

In 1988 I presented a paper, `Fly's Eye Modular Optic,' in the Los Angeles Symposium that described an optic for high power laser systems that provided for a modular system of hexagonal components that were independently cooled using a high velocity jet pointed normal to the back surface of the optical faceplate. In this paper we look at the use of diamond optical materials in concert with high velocity jet impingement heat transfer of various liquid metal mediums. By using this combination of techniques and materials we can push the laser damage threshold of optical components to even higher levels of absorbed flux density. The thrust of this paper is to develop a theoretical model for use on optical elements subject to very high continuous flux density lasers and to evaluate the use of commercial diamond substrates with conventional optical thin films and conventional substrates with CVD diamond films. In order to assume the very high absorbed flux densities, it is necessary to have a heat transfer technique capable of maintaining the optical component at a stable temperature and below the damage threshold of the optical materials. For the more common materials, thermal shock and subsequent failure in bi-axial shear have proven to be one of the major constituents of the optical damage. In this paper we look at the thermal shock, vis-a-vis, the melting point of some of the materials.