Work

Damage threshold and surface distortion measurement for high-reflectance, low-loss mirrors to 100+ MW/cm2 cw laser intensity

Year: 2005

Type: article

Abstract: By frequency-stabilizing the output from an Erbium fiber amplifier at 1580 nm to a high-finesse cavity (finesse ~6300) formed by two high-reflectance, low-loss, concave mirrors, we achieve 22.4+/-2.0 kW intracavity circulating power and 101+/-9 MW/cm(2) cw intracavity intensities on the surfaces of the mirrors. Repeated experiments show no damage to the mirrors' coating. In addition, small variations of the mirrors' radius of curvature are observed and measured by recording the cavity's transverse-mode range. The mirrors' 10 cm radius of curvature changes as function of laser intensity at a rate of 105 mum/(MW/cm(2)).

Source: Optics Express

DOI: 10.1364/opex.13.010085

Authors: Lei S. Meng, Jason K. Brasseur, David K. Neumann

Institution: Directed Energy Solutions (United States)

Language: English

Topic: Optical Systems and Laser Technology

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,270

Funders: U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency