Damage Threshold Studies of Glass Laser Materials

Abstract : The research goal of this program is to evaluate the radiation damage thresholds of neodymium doped glass laser materials and to ascertain the associated damage mechanisms. The research objectives are to: Determine the relationship between active and passive damage threshold evaluations; Relate the damage threshold to material homogeneity; Evaluate damage threshold versus pulse width; and Determine the kinetics of output degradation at 20, 30, and 50 joules/sq cm average intensity.