Laser glass process development for the next generation of ICF lasers

Abstract

The next generation of high energy laser systems for ICF research demands an unprecedented volume of laser glass to be produced over a limited manufacturing period while still meeting ambitious targets of internal quality and overall cost. To meet this challenge, Schott has conceived a continuous manufacturing unit capable of producing 5,000 meter class PH 4 slabs of platinum particle-free phosphate laser glass within a three-year time period. This manufacturing unit concept draws on years of prior production experience with phosphate laser glass and other high quality optical materials but still represents a significant departure from the proven discontinuous manufacturing technology successfully employed over the last ten years for platinum-free phosphate laser glass. In addition, Schott has developed a new phosphate laser glass that simultaneously offers improvements in properties that relate to both laser performance and to characteristics related to forming the glass into large, high quality slabs. In this paper we will describe the key technology issues addressed in the manufacturing development and present a brief description of the planned manufacturing method to be employed. Lastly, the status of the development will be reviewed including characterization of pilot production melts of the new laser glass and the schedule for completion of the development program.