AR coatings on laser crystals for HiPER project

Jindřich Oulehla; Pavel Pokorný

doi:10.1117/12.860656

19 August 2010 AR coatings on laser crystals for HiPER project

Jindřich Oulehla, Pavel Pokorný

Proceedings Volume 7786, Current Developments in Lens Design and Optical Engineering XI; and Advances in Thin Film Coatings VI; 778614 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.860656
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

In this contribution we present a technology for deposition of interference coatings for optical components designed to operate as active media in power pulsed lasers. The aim of the technology is to prepare crystals for lasers for the HiPER project (High Power laser Energy Research) which should demonstrate the feasibility of laser driven fusion as a future energy source. Diode pumped solid state lasers (DPSSL) are the most likely option for fusion ignition. The choice of material for the lasers active medium is critical. Some of the most important properties include the ability to be antireflection coated to reduce the energy losses and increase the overall efficiency. This contribution deals with some of the materials considered to be candidates for slabs serving as the active medium of the DPSSLs. We tested Yb:YAG, Yb:CaF₂ samples. As large amounts of heat need to be dissipated during laser operation, cryogenic cooling is necessary. Appropriate coating materials and techniques need to be chosen. Therefore differences between available coating techniques are investigated in terms of adhesion, enduring of stress resulting from temperature shocks, etc. Coated samples were placed into cryogenic environment in order to simulate conditions similar to those in real life operation. Optical microscopy was used for coating investigation after the conducted experiments.

Citation Download Citation

Jindřich Oulehla and Pavel Pokorný "AR coatings on laser crystals for HiPER project", Proc. SPIE 7786, Current Developments in Lens Design and Optical Engineering XI; and Advances in Thin Film Coatings VI, 778614 (19 August 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.860656

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