Abstract
The objective of this work was to improve understanding of the damage performance of large aperture optics under conditions similar to those experienced in large, megajouleclass laser systems. We evaluated large optics at full aperture over a wide range of fluence and intensity, with unconverted light present and with statistical fluctuations typical of large aperture lasers. Specialized optomechanical hardware which edgeilluminated the optics was coupled with a new flaw inspection system and extensive laser diagnostics in an existing large aperture laser system called the Precision Diagnostic System (PDS) to allow in situ analysis of damage initiation and growth. Nearby upstream (-z) flaws on neighboring optics was found to be a major contributor to optics damage. Based on results of the initial experiments, improvements were made in the optical configuration and in the optics themselves that significantly reduced their susceptibility to laser-induced damage.
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