Scatter loss from environmental degradation of KDP crystals

Elizabeth K. Wheeler; J. T. McWhirter; Pamela K. Whitman; C. B. Thorsness; James J. De Yoreo; Ian M. Thomas; M. Hester

doi:10.1117/12.379328

3 March 2000 Scatter loss from environmental degradation of KDP crystals

Elizabeth K. Wheeler, J. T. McWhirter, Pamela K. Whitman, C. B. Thorsness, James J. De Yoreo, Ian M. Thomas, M. Hester

Proceedings Volume 3902, Laser-Induced Damage in Optical Materials: 1999; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.379328
Event: Laser-Induced Damage in Optical Materials: 1999, 1999, Boulder, CO, United States

Abstract

Severe scattering losses from KDP crystals have been correlated with the exposure of porous sol AR coated crystal to ambient humidity. The scattering is attributed to formation of etch pits which develop under the coating on the KDP surface along crystallographic axes. This high angle scattering can in turn produce laser damage of downstream optics either through modulation of the beam or by optic contamination from ablation of adjacent metal structures. We have developed a simple tool to characterize the evolution of scatter from sol-coated KDP surface.s We have measured the rate of etch pit formation as a function of relative humidity and surface treatment using both microscopy and scattering. We will discuss various surface treatments which can be utilized to retrad or eliminate the environmental degradation of KDP crystals.

Citation Download Citation

Elizabeth K. Wheeler, J. T. McWhirter, Pamela K. Whitman, C. B. Thorsness, James J. De Yoreo, Ian M. Thomas, and M. Hester "Scatter loss from environmental degradation of KDP crystals", Proc. SPIE 3902, Laser-Induced Damage in Optical Materials: 1999, (3 March 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.379328

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