Optical-acoustic effect in laser optics investigations

Parameters of the acoustic signals (AS) excited in the massive Al, Be and Cu mirrors by TEA CO2- and Nd : glass-laser pulses were investigated. Correlations between the AS parameters and an emergence of different types of laser-induced damage such as evaporation of heat insulated defects, melting and optical breakdown off irradiated surface have been found. The possibility to make a nondisturbing prediction of the metal mirror resistance to laser-induced damage has been shown.