Laser Induced Damage Measurements

Laser damage testing provides a convenient method for interrogating laser components. The two main types of laser tests performed are Laser Damage Certification tests and Laser Damage threshold tests. In both cases, tests are performed using a laser with a Gaussian beam.

While this may not emulate the beam characteristics found in many laser sources the use of a Gaussian beam provides a well defined peak fluence or irradiance and allows measurements made over the course of time to remain correlated.