Understanding Spectral Dependence of Laser-induced Damage Precursors in Dielectric Materials

Executive Summary

To meet the growing needs of next-generation laser systems, we plan to research laser damage in transparent dielectric materials as a function of photon energy, or wavelength, and simultaneous irradiation. This study proposes a first of its kind measurement of laser damage as a function of wavelength for optical coatings, allowing for the creation of a relative ruleset for laser damage as a spectroscopic phenomenon and shedding light on the fundamental physics of laser damage in dielectric materials and opening the door to improving optical coatings.