Optical coatings on laser crystals for HiPER project

Jindrich Oulehla; Pavel Pokorný; Josef Lazar

doi:10.1117/12.899181

22 November 2011 Optical coatings on laser crystals for HiPER project

Jindrich Oulehla, Pavel Pokorný, Josef Lazar

Proceedings Volume 8190, Laser-Induced Damage in Optical Materials: 2011; 81900Q (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.899181
Event: SPIE Laser Damage, 2011, Boulder, Colorado, United States

Abstract

In this contribution we present a technology for deposition of interference coatings for optical components designed to operate as active media in power pulsed lasers. The aim of the technology is to prepare crystals for lasers for the HiPER project (High Power laser Energy Research facility) which should demonstrate the feasibility of laser driven fusion as a future energy source. Diode pumped solid state lasers (DPSSL) are the most likely option for fusion ignition. The choice of the material for the lasers' active medium is critical. Some of the most important properties include the ability to be antireflection coated to reduce the energy losses and increase the overall efficiency. This contribution deals with some of the materials considered to be candidates for slabs serving as the active medium of the DPSSLs. We tested Yb:YAG and Yb:CaF₂ samples. As large amounts of heat need to be dissipated during laser operation, cryogenic cooling is necessary. Appropriate coating materials and techniques need to be chosen. Therefore differences between available coating techniques are investigated in terms of adhesion, enduring of stress from temperature shocks, etc. Coated samples were placed into cryogenic environment in order to simulate conditions similar to those in real life operation. Optical microscopy was used for coating investigation after the conducted experiments.

Citation Download Citation

Jindrich Oulehla, Pavel Pokorný, and Josef Lazar "Optical coatings on laser crystals for HiPER project", Proc. SPIE 8190, Laser-Induced Damage in Optical Materials: 2011, 81900Q (22 November 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.899181

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