In:
Applied Optics, Optica Publishing Group, Vol. 60, No. 3 ( 2021-01-20), p. 533-
Abstract:
Vacuum chambers are frequently used in high-energy, high-peak-power
laser systems to prevent deleterious nonlinear effects, which can result from propagation in air. In the vacuum sections of the Allegra
laser system at ELI-Beamlines, we observed degradation of several optical elements due to laser-induced contamination (LIC). This
contamination is present on surfaces with laser intensity above 30 G W / c m 2 with wavelengths of 515, 800, and
1030 nm. It can lead to undesired absorption on diffraction gratings, mirrors, and crystals and ultimately to degradation of the laser beam
profile. Because the Allegra laser is intended to be a high-uptime source for users, such progressive degradation is unacceptable for
operation. Here, we evaluate three methods of removing LIC from optics in vacuum. One of them, the radio-frequency-generated plasma cleaning,
appears to be a suitable solution from the perspective of operating a reliable, on-demand source for users.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1559-128X
,
2155-3165
Language:
English
Publisher:
Optica Publishing Group
Publication Date:
2021
detail.hit.zdb_id:
207387-0
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