Time of Damage and the Effect of the Pulse Repetition Frequency on the Laser Induced Damage Threshold

The time of damage has been measured as a function of pulse input energy for a range of i-r windows and mirrors.

More data and understanding of the mechanisms involved has been gained of the effect of laser pulse repetition frequency on the laser induced damage thresholds of infra-red transmitting window materials. Results on Ge, Si, GaAs, ZnS, ZnSe, NaCl and KCl are presented together with comments on the mechanisms which lower the damage threshold from the single shot damage level.