Impact of ionizing radiation on the optical properties of YAG laser materials

K. Simmons-Potter, A. Vaddigiri, W. J. Thomes, D. C. Meister

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Exposure of optical materials to transient-ionizing-radiation fields can give rise to transient and/or permanent photodarkening effects. In laser materials, such as YAG, such induced optical loss can result in significant degradation of the lasing characteristic of the material, making its selection for optical device applications in radiation environments unfeasible. In the present work, the ionizing-radiation response of Nd: YAG laser rods of varying composition and microstructure are examined. The optical properties of the materials are examined using a variety of optical spectroscopies and observations are correlated with the results of the ionizing-radiation studies. It is found that radiation damage in these materials is strongly influenced by the material microstructure.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationOptical Technologies for Arming, Safing, Fuzing, and Firing III
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007
EventOptical Technologies for Arming, Safing, Fuzing, and Firing III - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Aug 29 2007Aug 30 2007

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume6662
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherOptical Technologies for Arming, Safing, Fuzing, and Firing III
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period8/29/078/30/07

Keywords

  • Ceramic
  • Optical loss
  • Photodarkening
  • Photoluminescence
  • Polycrystalline
  • Radiation
  • Radiative lifetime
  • Transmission
  • YAG

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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