Optical coatings for laser fusion applications

Abstract

Lasers for fusion experiments use thin film dielectric coatings for reflecting, antireflecting and polarizing surface elements. Coatings are most important in neodymium-doped glass lasers. The most important requirements of these coatings are the accuracy of the average value of reflectance and transmission, the uniformity of amplitude and phase front of the reflected or transmitted light and the laser damage threshold. Damage resistance strongly affects the laser's design and performance. The success of advanced lasers for future experiments and for reactor applications requires significant developments in damage-resistant coatings for UV laser radiation.