High-strength optical glasses for high-fluence laser applications

Suresh T. Gulati

doi:10.1117/12.274248

13 May 1997 High-strength optical glasses for high-fluence laser applications

Suresh T. Gulati

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 2966, Laser-Induced Damage in Optical Materials: 1996; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.274248
Event: Laser-Induced Damage in Optical Materials: 1996, 1996, Boulder, CO, United States

Abstract

Fused silica spatial filter lenses for high-fluence lasers like Nova and Beamlet can experience optical damage on the vacuum side if the tensile stress due to pressure differential exceeds the threshold level. The damage is initiated by slow crack growth and culminates into catastrophic crack growth when the stress intensity approaches the critical value. If the elastic energy released by lens flexure, which is proportional to square of the stress, is high the lens can implode into several fragments causing further damage to associated equipment. This paper presents an alternate approach for designing and manufacturing high strength optical glasses which will not experience tensile stresses in excess of threshold level. Consequently, lenses made from these glasses will not be subjected to slow crack growth and their laser-damage threshold will be significantly higher. Furthermore, the lens thickness can be reduced by 50 to 70 percent thereby improving its optical performance over a wide range of wavelengths. The trade-offs between strength, lens thickness and stored elastic energy are discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Suresh T. Gulati "High-strength optical glasses for high-fluence laser applications", Proc. SPIE 2966, Laser-Induced Damage in Optical Materials: 1996, (13 May 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.274248

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