Laser-induced nonthermal mechanical stresses and optical damage in a transparent dielectric

Abstract

Optical damage of pure transparent dielectrics in laser fields is considered. An elasticity theory problem concerning mechanical stresses that appear in the crystal lattice subjected to arbitrary spherically symmetric forces with a specified density is stated. A mathematically rigorous general solution to this problem is found, and arising boundary conditions are studied. A model of volume forces due to the action of hot nonequilibrium electrons on the lattice is described. In general, the early approximate results [1] are confirmed. The mechanism behind radiation-induced mechanical fracture of dielectrics proposed in this work is found to be adequate. Ways for the further study of this nonthermal inertia-free mechanism of optical damage, which has a purely mechanical nature, are discussed.