Abstract:
An investigation was made of the surface damage caused by the single-mode radiation of a neodymium-glass laser operating under free-oscillation (λ = 1.06 μ) and giant-pulse (λ = 1.06 and 0.53 μ) conditions. The damage thresholds were identical at λ = 1.06 and 0.53 μ and were 120 MW/cm2 for LiNbO3 and 240 MW/cm2 for LiTaO3. The surface damage was observed after several flashes. It was established that the damage threshold under free-oscillation conditions increased with decreasing diameter of the light spot, whereas under giant-pulse conditions the threshold was independent of the size of the light spot. The surface damage mechanisms were considered and it was concluded that the Nb5+→Nb4+ reduction process was responsible for the damage to the surface of LiNbO3.
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