Damage-Threshold Testing of Laser Glass at Owens-Illinois

Damage threshold may be defined on the basis of changes in the physical appearance, or on the basis of degradation in the laser performance. Some evidence is presented to indicate that the two may not always be synonymous and that output degradation should be considered. Melting in platinum versus melting in ceramic refractories is discussed. The damage resistance of laser glass should be a function of Young's modulus for some types of damage. Young's modulus data for commercial laser glasses are presented. Work presently in progress at Owens-Illinois, Inc., on the production and testing of damage-resistant laser glass is discussed.