Abstract
Damage behaviour and thresholds for single 248 nm/14 ns excimer laser pulses have been investigated for single crystals of CaF2 and BaF2 with (111) surface orientation. The probe beam deflection technique was applied as a sensitive tool for detecting the onset of single-shot damage. Below the plasma threshold, we observed one- and two-photon absorption for CaF2 and BaF2, respectively. When testing the influence of different polishing techniques, we found the lowest thresholds for conventional hard-polish. Advanced methods as ductile machining or chemical polishing lead to a distinct increase in damage threshold up to and even better than what is observed for cleaved surfaces. SEM investigations of irradiated areas show that damage preferably takes place at residual steps or other structural defects.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
