Reflective attenuators for high energy laser measurements

Published

March 14, 2010

Author(s)

John H. Lehman, David J. Livigni, Christopher L. Cromer, Xiaoyu X. Li, Marla L. Dowell

Abstract

A high-energy laser attenuator in the range of 250 mJ (20 nsec pulse width, 10 Hz repetition rate, 1064 nm, 1574 nm wavelengths) is described. The optical elements that constitute the attenuator are mirrors with relatively low reflectance, oriented at 45° angle of incidence. By combining three pairs of mirrors, the incoming radiation is collinear and has the same polarization orientation as the exit. We present damage testing and polarization-dependent reflectance measurements for 1064 nm and 1574 nm wavelength laser light at 45° angle of incidence for germanium, tungsten, molybdenum, silicon carbide and copper mirrors. The combination of tungsten and silicon carbide provides a single attenuator having approximately 300x attenuation at 1064 nm and 100x attenuation at 1574 nm. We also present 600x and 1000x attenuator results.

Conference Dates

March 22-26, 2010

Conference Location

Anaheim, CA

Conference Title

Measurement Science Conference 2010

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

attenuator, laser induced damage, polarization, reflectance

Citation

Lehman, J. , Livigni, D. , Cromer, C. , Li, X. and Dowell, M. (2010), Reflective attenuators for high energy laser measurements, Measurement Science Conference 2010, Anaheim, CA, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=904162 (Accessed October 10, 2025)