Continuing our CW laser damage research to include substrate expansion coefficients as a marker for threshold influence, especially materials renowned for their low expansion properties. We tested identical coatings on these and a number of low softenining-point substrates.
CW damage is classically governed by a total dosage/time mechanism determining the power levels at which steady-state equilibria are obtained. Despite this, true damage occurred in scan tests. Scanning is not the recommended test procedure adopted for CW, as a steady state is unable to be established. CW use does not involve a moving target. ...
As an extension to last year’s research program, an investigation in radiation induced contaminants has been ongoing and found to not only be power sensitive but also total energy related.
Our new custom-built, increased power, 1535 nm Laser allows testing to be extended to higher power levels whilst still keeping our minimum spot size to >235 µm.
Testing at 1 µm can be used, with corrections to obtain approximate 2 µm results. Laser damage testing at 2 µm is inaccurate due to a plethora of problems associated with 2 µm sensors and beam diagnostics. However, as more test houses adopt this methodology failures in the end product testing are becoming common. Auxiliary ...
