Properties of defect-induced multiple pulse laser damage of transmission components

When the number of laser pulses increases, the laser-induced damage threshold of the optical components gradually declines. The magnitude and tendency of this reduced threshold are associated with various factors. Furthermore, this reduced threshold is conclusively determined by the limiting factors or defect characteristics that trigger damage to optical components. Then, fully understanding the damage properties of different kinds of defects will contribute to the optimization of the performance and lifetime of the optical components. In this study, the statistical and deterministic characterizations of the fatigue effect are used to evaluate the properties of the multiple pulse laser damage of transmission components. First, the influence of spot sizes and polishing materials on the properties of the multiple pulse laser damage of optical components is discussed. Then, the structural, absorptive, and mixed artificial defects are fabricated, and the damage characteristics are evaluated and analyzed. Finally, the damage mechanism of different factors has been clarified.