Speaker
Description
Laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) experiments are fundamental in high-powered laser research for controlling damage on optical components and pushing the boundaries of using higher-powered laser pulses. Therefore, optimal characterization of materials and components used in the experiment is necessary. LIDT research is challenging due to the large quantity of statistics needed, which can be obtained using large-aperture pulses. My work consists of the data analysis performed on the first large-aperture LIDT experiment using femtosecond pulses, employing image processing techniques. Preliminary LIDT curves have already been obtained for Ag (SiO2) and chirped mirrors, with ongoing work to improve the algorithm and data to obtain LIDT curves. The experiment could demonstrate the viability of using large-aperture LIDT in quality control for optical mirror production, such as in the upcoming COMP facility.
