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Highly damage-resistant Mo mirror for high-power TEA CO(2) laser systems
Applied Optics
|May 22, 2010
Summary
High-purity molybdenum mirrors made by electron-beam melting offer superior performance for high-power lasers. These mirrors exhibit higher laser-damage thresholds and longer lifetimes compared to conventional options.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optics
- Laser Technology
Background:
- High-power lasers require durable optical components.
- Molybdenum (Mo) mirrors are used in laser systems.
- Existing Mo mirrors have limitations in performance and lifespan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a high-purity molybdenum mirror with enhanced laser-damage resistance.
- To evaluate the performance of the new mirror for high-power TEA CO(2) laser applications.
Main Methods:
- Developed a high-purity molybdenum mirror using electron-beam melting (e.b.m. Mo mirror).
- Tested the e.b.m. Mo mirror against an gold-coated glass mirror and a powder metallurgy Mo mirror (p.m. Mo mirror).
- Irradiated mirrors with a high-power TEA CO(2) laser at specific energy densities and repetition rates.
Main Results:
- The e.b.m. Mo mirror demonstrated a 2-4 times higher surface damage threshold compared to Au-coated glass mirrors.
- The e.b.m. Mo mirror showed a 3 times longer lifetime than p.m. Mo mirrors under specific laser conditions (<60 J/cm(2), 0.5 pps).
- Superior performance attributed to the e.b.m. mirror's fine, void-free surface and low impurity content.
Conclusions:
- Electron-beam melting produces high-purity Mo mirrors with exceptional laser-damage resistance.
- The e.b.m. Mo mirror is a promising alternative for high-power laser systems requiring durable optical components.
