SEDL / STP / STP1028-EB / STP18594S

Effect of Diamond Machining on Laser Damage Threshold of Germanium

Lewis, KL
Royal Signals and Radar Establishment, Malvern, Worcestershire

Charlwood, L
Royal Signals and Radar Establishment, Malvern, Worcestershire

Chew, NG
Royal Signals and Radar Establishment, Malvern, Worcestershire

Cullis, AG
Royal Signals and Radar Establishment, Malvern, Worcestershire

Dosser, OD
Royal Signals and Radar Establishment, Malvern, Worcestershire

Mannion, A
Ferranti Astron Limited, Dundee,

Pages: 8    Published: Jan 1988

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Abstract

A study has been carried out of the various factors influencing the laser damage thresholds of diamond machined Ge components. Planar surfaces were generated using both Pneumo Precision and Bryant Symons machines in both centre turned and fly-cut configurations. Laser damage thresholds were correlated not so much with the surface relief produced by the machining process but with the degree of pitting of the surface caused by excessive cutting rates and the extent of subsurface damage induced by the DM technique. Although limited to germanium optics, the study raises important fundamental issues relevant to other materials.