Clean-cavity contamination in gas lasers

Christine E. Geosling

doi:10.1117/12.240346

27 May 1996 Clean-cavity contamination in gas lasers

Christine E. Geosling

Proceedings Volume 2714, 27th Annual Boulder Damage Symposium: Laser-Induced Damage in Optical Materials: 1995; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.240346
Event: Laser-Induced Damage in Optical Materials: 1995, 1995, Boulder, CO, United States

Abstract

A mechanism has been identified which can affect the long-term power output of a high powered gas laser. This mechanism, which is brought about by a process of mobile ion migration in the glass cavity material, is driven by the electric fields set up by the operation of the laser itself. Characteristics of this mechanism and one successful design to overcome its deleterious effects will be discussed. Another mechanism of concern in gas lasers is UV damage to optics. Experiments were carried out in which the UV sensitivity characteristics of new coating materials and designs were determined in a plasma exposure chamber. A method to correlate the UV exposure in the chamber with that under actual laser operating conditions was devised and will be described. Use of this chamber as a testing device eliminates the cost and time required to build a laser for each new material/design iteration. It can also be used as a process control tool for random UV sensitivity checks of production components.

Citation Download Citation

Christine E. Geosling "Clean-cavity contamination in gas lasers", Proc. SPIE 2714, 27th Annual Boulder Damage Symposium: Laser-Induced Damage in Optical Materials: 1995, (27 May 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.240346

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