Time-domain dynamic electric field distribution of low-oscillation sculptured structure dispersive mirrors

Abstract

The dispersion oscillation and damage threshold of a dispersive mirror (DM) are the key influencing factors for high-quality pulses and outputting high power density. Here, we studied the femtosecond damage behavior of low-oscillation DMs(LODM) with SiO2 sculptured layer. The monochromatic standing wave field(SWF) distribution widely used in ultrafast laser damage analysis is sufficient in Bragg mirror. In more complex systems, the actual electric field intensity(typically smaller) will dynamically change due to the broad bandwidth and the time difference of pulse propagation. Time-domain dynamic electric field intensity displays that the spatio-temporal evolution of the pulse within the stacks averages the electric field intensity, especially the electric field in the deeper layers. The dynamic effect of few-cycle pulses or attosecond pulses damage will be more meaningful. The time-domain dynamic electric field model can elucidate the ultrafast laser damage behavior. Introducing the time-domain dynamic electric model into the merit function can help us design optical coatings with high damage thresholds.