Laser-Induced Damage in Optical Materials

This book provides the most complete and authoritative overview of the laser damage field, covering damage in the bulk as well as on the surface and coating of optical components. Its treatment spans from fundamental mechanisms and techniques to damage in optical materials and thin films. It discusses state-of-the-art measurement approaches for evaluating laser damage thresholds in the context of international standards and scaling laws. It also covers high-power laser coatings, modeling approaches, laser heating phenomena in different optical materials, and effects of contamination.

Dedicated to users and developers of high-powered systems, Laser-Induced Damage in Optical Materials focuses on the research field of laser-induced damage and explores the significant and steady growth of applications for high-power lasers in the academic, industrial, and military arenas. Written by renowned experts in the field, this book concentrates on the major topics of laser-induced damage in optical materials and most specifically addresses research in laser damage that occurs in the bulk and on the surface or the coating of optical components. It considers key issues in the field of high-power laser coatings, factoring in the effects of contamination and providing insight into typical application areas.

The text first provides a basic understanding of theoretical and experimental methods and then summarizes the current progress, strategies, and improvements occurring within the field of laser-induced damage. Divided into four sections, this book outlines apparent trends in modeling, and discusses measurement and evaluation techniques for laser damage thresholds in the context of international standardization and scaling laws for damage thresholds.

• Covers the major aspects of laser damage
• Considers all important aspects in industry and research
• Reviews laser damage effects in material and surfaces
• Contains chapters contributed by leading scientists in the field

Laser-Induced Damage in Optical Materials details a variety of fundamental investigations in laser-induced damage mechanisms and functions as a valuable reference for researchers and producers of laser components, laser and photonics engineers and scientists, as well as users of laser technology and thin film optics.