Osnova / Outline:
The laser-induced damage resistance of large optical components remains an important limitation for the maintenance costs, reliability, and the further development of high-energy laser systems. Traditionally, the laser-induced damage thresholds (LIDT) are performed on small samples and using small laser beam sizes (usually limited by the laser output), but these test results tend to be quite different if compared to the actual damage intensities when used with these high-energy lasers. Determination of the relation between testing beam size and the damage threshold value needs to be investigated for common optical path components – dielectric mirrors. Wavelength influence in the damage threshold value can be investigated only for the metallic or dichroic mirror.