The multilayer dielectrics (MLDs) for broad bandwidth 800nm pulse compression gratings were fabricated with optimized design by electron beam evaporation using three different kinds of materials (Ta2O5/SiO2/HfO2), which had more than 99% reflectance with bandwidth larger than 160nm around the center wavelength of 800 nm and high transmission at the exposure wavelength of 413nm. Laser-induced damage behaviors of the mirrors were investigated. It was found that the laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) of the samples could reach 1.0J/cm2 and 2.0J/cm2 in the normal beam (57 degrees, TE mode) at pulse duration of 50fs and 120fs, respectively. The depth information of the damage sites at these two cases was explored by atomic force microscope (AFM). The reason of the sample having so high LIDT was also discussed in this paper. The MLDs provide a solid base for the high laser threshold 800nm pulse compression gratings and may open a new way for broad bandwidth 800nm reflectance coatings used in the ultrashort pulse laser system.

Date Published: 12 January 2012
PDF: 10 pages
Proc. SPIE 8206, Pacific Rim Laser Damage 2011: Optical Materials for High Power Lasers, 82060P (12 January 2012); doi: 10.1117/12.910263

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 8206:
Pacific Rim Laser Damage 2011: Optical Materials for High Power Lasers
Jianda Shao, Editor(s)