Laser-induced damage studies in optical elements using X-ray laser interferometric microscopy

D. Margarone*, M. Kozlová, J. Nejdl, B. Rus, T. Mocek, P. Homer, J. Polan, M. Stupka, G. Jamelot, K. Cassou, S. Kazamias, A. Klisnick, D. Ros, H. Bercegol, C. Danson, S. Hawkes

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Results of a novel X-ray laser application, aimed at understanding the microscopic effects involved in formation of laserinduced damage in optical materials exposed to sub-ns laser pulses, will be presented. Specifically, we studied thin plane beamsplitters that are presently the weakest element of the next generation of high-energy lasers (LMJ, NIF), with permanent damage threshold below 20 J/cm2. Standard fused silica substrates and a model system, containing welldefined micron grooves as seeding sites to trigger damage when irradiated by 438 nm laser pulses, were in situ probed by a neon-like zinc X-ray laser delivering up to 10 mJ at 21.2 nm. The probing beamline employed a double Lloyd's mirror interferometer, used in conjunction with an imaging mirror to provide magnification of ∼8. In conjunction with an array of in-situ optical diagnostics, one of the questions addressed was whether the damage (transient or permanent) on the rear surface of the beamsplitter occurs during or after the laser pulse, i.e. whether it is due to local electrical fields or to other processes. Another issue, examined by both the X-ray interferometric microscopy and the optical diagnostics, is whether a local rear-surface modification is associated with non-linear effects (self-focusing, filamentation) of the laser beam in the bulk.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationDamage to VUV, EUV, and X-Ray Optics II
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes
EventDamage to VUV, EUV, and X-Ray Optics II - Prague, Czech Republic
Duration: 21 Apr 200923 Apr 2009

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume7361
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceDamage to VUV, EUV, and X-Ray Optics II
Country/TerritoryCzech Republic
CityPrague
Period21/04/200923/04/2009

Bibliographical note

Copyright:
Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Fused silica
  • Laser-induced optical damage
  • X-ray laser
  • XUV interferometric microscopy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Laser-induced damage studies in optical elements using X-ray laser interferometric microscopy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this