The influence of interphase boundaries on laser resistance of multilayer optical coatings

Skvortsov, L.A., Startsev V.V., Chernomyrdin S.V.

For Russian citation (Opticheskii Zhurnal):

Скворцов Л.А., Старцев В.В., Черномырдин С.В. Влияние межфазных границ на лазерную стойкость многослойных оптических покрытий // Оптический журнал. 2026. Т. 93. № 7. С. 80–87. DOI: 10.17586/1023-5086-2026-93-07-80-87

Skvortsov L.A., Startsev V.V., Chernomyrdin S.V. The influence of interphase boundaries on laser resistance of multilayer optical coatings [in Russian] // Opticheskii Zhurnal. 2026. V. 93. № 7. P. 80–87. DOI: 10.17586/1023-5086-2026-93-07-80-87

For citation (Journal of Optical Technology):

Abstract:

The purpose of the work. Mechanisms responsible for the features of laser action on optical coatings consisting of alternating layers of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) in the continuous generation mode at different radiation wavelengths. Objective of the work. Substantiation of the influence of interphase boundaries between individual layers of TiO₂/SiO₂ optical coatings on the process of their laser damage in the continuous generation mode at different radiation wavelengths. Method. Photothermal common-path interferometry was used to measure the absorption in the coatings under the influence of laser radiation. Main results. The experimental results indicate that the mechanisms responsible for laser damage of multilayer TiO₂/SiO₂ optical coatings in the continuous mode at wavelengths of 1.06 and 0.53 µm differ from each other. In the visible range of the spectrum, an anomalous decrease in the laser resistance of the multilayer coatings was found, accompanied by an exponential increase in absorption when the top layer is silicon dioxide. Furthermore, an irreversible increase in the laser resistance (laser annealing) of coatings at a wavelength of 0.53 µm was observed when irradiated with subthreshold power densities. Practical significance. The results of this study allow us to formulate recommendations for increasing the laser resistance of TiO₂/SiO₂ coatings.

Keywords:

optical coatings, titanium dioxide, photothermal common-path interferometry, nonlinear absorption, interphase boundaries, laser damage, irreversible increase in laser resistance, laser annealing

OCIS codes: 160.3730, 350.3450; 350.5340; 300.6490

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