Optical surface quality plays a significant role when considering laser applications. Specifically, short pulses, high pulse energies and shorter wavelength impose high requirements on surface characteristics. Amongst others, scatter losses, absorption, or the damage threshold place high demands on the specification of an optical part, and each application will define the order in priority of these properties. We have conducted several experiments to investigate in the impact of surface characteristics of polished substrates on the performance of coated optics. In this contribution we report on the techniques used to qualify dielectric coatings for excellent power handling capabilities based on the substrate surface finish.

Date Published: 24 September 2015
PDF: 6 pages
Proc. SPIE 9628, Optical Systems Design 2015: Optical Fabrication, Testing, and Metrology V, 96280G (24 September 2015); doi: 10.1117/12.2190931

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9628:
Optical Systems Design 2015: Optical Fabrication, Testing, and Metrology V
Angela Duparré; Roland Geyl, Editor(s)