SEDL / STP / STP1028-EB / STP18533S

Development of Composite Polymer-Glass Edge Claddings for Nova Laser Disks

Campbell, JH
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory University of California, Livermore, California

Edwards, G
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory University of California, Livermore, California

Frick, FA
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory University of California, Livermore, California

Gemmell, DS
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory University of California, Livermore, California

Gim, BM
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory University of California, Livermore, California

Jancaitis, KS
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory University of California, Livermore, California

Jessop, ES
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory University of California, Livermore, California

Kong, MK
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory University of California, Livermore, California

Lyon, RE
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory University of California, Livermore, California

Murray, JE
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory University of California, Livermore, California

Patton, HG
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory University of California, Livermore, California

Pitts, JH
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory University of California, Livermore, California

Powell, HT
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory University of California, Livermore, California

Riley, MO
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory University of California, Livermore, California

Wallerstein, EP
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory University of California, Livermore, California

Wolfe, CR
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory University of California, Livermore, California

Woods, BW
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory University of California, Livermore, California

Pages: 23    Published: Jan 1988

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Abstract

Large Nd:glass laser disks for disk amplifiers require an edge cladding which absorbs at 1 μm. This cladding prevents edge reflections from causing parasitic oscillations that would otherwise deplete the gain. We have developed a composite polymer-glass edge cladding that consists of absorbing glass strips bonded to the edges of laser glass disks using an epoxy adhesive. The edge cladding must survive a fluence of approximately 20 J/cm² in a 0.5-ms pulse. Failure can occur either by decomposition of the polymer or by mechanical failure from thermal stresses which leads to bond delamination. An epoxy has been developed that gives the required damage resistance, refractive index match and processing characteristics, A slight tilt of the disk edges greatly reduces the threat from parasitic oscillations and a glass surface treatment is used to promote bond adhesion. Laser disks fabricated with this new cladding show identical gain performance to disks using conventional fused-glass cladding and have been tested for over 2000 shots (equivalent to about a 4-year lifetime on Nova) without degradation.