Laser-induced electric breakdown in solids

TLDR

Recent experiments show that laser‑induced electric breakdown in transparent optical solids follows a material‑specific threshold. The study examines how this breakdown mechanism affects bulk and surface damage in optical components. The threshold arises from avalanche ionization, the same process that governs dc breakdown. Thresholds vary with pulse duration and frequency in a manner consistent with avalanche ionization, and they also dictate the physical properties of self‑focused filaments.

Abstract

A review is given of recent experimental results on laser-induced electric breakdown in transparent optical solid materials. A fundamental breakdown threshold exists characteristic for each material. The threshold is determined by the same physical process as dc breakdown, namely, avalanche ionization. The dependence of the threshold on laser pulse duration and frequency is consistent with this process. The implication of this breakdown mechanism for laser bulk and surface damage to optical components is discussed. It also determines physical properties of self-focused filaments.