Optical Distortion And Far Field Measurements For Laser Window Materials

John A. Detrio

doi:10.1117/12.932332

30 December 1981 Optical Distortion And Far Field Measurements For Laser Window Materials

John A. Detrio

Proceedings Volume 0293, Wavefront Distortions in Power Optics; (1981) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.932332
Event: 25th Annual Technical Symposium, 1981, San Diego, United States

Abstract

Laser-induced optical distortion in laser window materials may seriously impair the performance of a high power optical system. The distortions result from refractive index changes produced by laser-induced thermal gradients. The thermo-optic effect (dn/dT), thermal expansion, and stress-optic effect all contribute to the loss of far field intensity. Experimental measurements of thermal lensing in ZnSe and experiments to monitor the distortion of laser-irradiated fluoride materials are presented. For a well behaved Gaussian beam profile the window distortion produces a thermal lensing effect in ZnSe which changes the focus but produces only slight distortion; refocusing of the optical system can restore the on-target intensity in this situation. In general, the laser-induced distortions will follow the beam profile variations. Irregular beam intensity profiles introduce greater distortion than uniform beam profiles.

Citation Download Citation

John A. Detrio "Optical Distortion And Far Field Measurements For Laser Window Materials", Proc. SPIE 0293, Wavefront Distortions in Power Optics, (30 December 1981); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.932332

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