Scattering-induced downstream beam modulation by plasma scalded mirrors

J. R. Schmidt; M. J. Runkel; K. E. Martin; C. J. Stolz

doi:10.1117/12.748446

20 December 2007 Scattering-induced downstream beam modulation by plasma scalded mirrors

J. R. Schmidt, M. J. Runkel, K. E. Martin, C. J. Stolz

Proceedings Volume 6720, Laser-Induced Damage in Optical Materials: 2007; 67201H (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.748446
Event: Boulder Damage Symposium XXXIX: Annual Symposium on Optical Materials for High Power Lasers, 2007, Boulder, Colorado, United States

Abstract

Previous work concluded that plasma scalds on laser-conditioned multilayer dielectric mirror coatings are a stable, benign damage morphology. Recent large-aperture measurements indicate that plasma scalds may lead to fratricide of down-stream optics by increasing beam contrast. This paper describes the results of measurements performed to examine the effect of quasi-periodic plasma scalds covering the entire clear aperture on downstream beam modulation. A collimated, linearly-polarized 1053-nm beamline was constructed that irradiated approximately 5 cm² of the plasma scalded region. This beam was propagated ~8 meters and sampled with a 10-bit, megapixel CCD camera and analyzed for contrast (peak/average intensity). A lineout across the sample was built up by translating the optic across the beam. The contrast results were compared to a baseline wedged flat with surface figure of λ/100 and a contrast adder for the plasma scalds calculated. This was defined by. In all, optics with average plasma scald fractions of 0.9, 2.3, 4 and 14% were measured. Preliminary results indicate that plasma scald fractions of 4% and below contribute a contrast adder of less than 2.5%.

Citation Download Citation

J. R. Schmidt, M. J. Runkel, K. E. Martin, and C. J. Stolz "Scattering-induced downstream beam modulation by plasma scalded mirrors", Proc. SPIE 6720, Laser-Induced Damage in Optical Materials: 2007, 67201H (20 December 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.748446

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available