Dual-wavelength laser-induced damage threshold of a HfO2/SiO2 dichroic coating developed for high transmission at 527 nm and high reflection at 1054 nm

Abstract

Dichroic coatings have been developed for high transmission at 527 nm and high reflection at 1054 nm for laser operations in the nanosecond pulse regime. The coatings consist of HfO2 and SiO2 layers deposited with e-beam evaporation, and laser-induced damage thresholds as high as 12.5 J/cm2 were measured at 532 nm with 3.5 ns pulses (22.5 degrees angle of incidence, in S-polarization). However, laser damage measurements at the single wavelength of 532 nm do not adequately characterize the laser damage resistance of these coatings, since they were designed to operate at dual wavelengths simultaneously. This became apparent after one of the coatings damaged prematurely at a lower fluence in the beam train, which inspired further investigations. To gain a more complete understanding of the laser damage resistance, results of a dual-wavelength laser damage test performed at both 532 nm and 1064 nm are presented.