Pure YAG single crystal was optically characterized in the wide spectral range (from far IR to vacuum UV) by applying the universal dispersion model. Data obtained from a broad range of characterization instruments and methods was simultaneously processed using least-square method and the result were compared with literature findings. The universal dispersion model describes individual elementary electron and phonon excitations in materials as separate contributions. For the first time recorded, an asymmetric Voigt peak approximation was used for modeling the contribution of one-phonon absorption in crystalline material. The optical constants are presented both graphically and in detailed dispersion parameters sets.

More powerful and challenging laser systems are built to meet the need of evolving technology, reflecting demands coming from both industry and research areas. Laser damage is a key parameter for all components in such high-power laser system, establishing limits of maximum achievable energy in l...

The “Bivoj” 10 J, 10 ns, 10 Hz, Yb:YAG (1030 nm) diode-pumped solid state laser (DPSSL) at the HiLASE Centre was used to investigate the laser-induced damage of optical glasses with different refractive index (BK7, SF8, FS, LIBA2000). The samples were polished using a combination of methods and cleaned in ultrasonic bath or with ion beams. Sample surface was characterized using white-light interferometry (WLI) and laser confocal microscopy (LCM). For the laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT), an S-on-1 procedure was selected, the testing taking place in accordance with the ISO 21254 standard. Due to the high energy per pulse of the “Bivoj” system we were capable of using beams with more than 500 μm diameter (using a long focusing mirror) and thus, including different surface defect in the LIDT measurement. The damage of the glasses was usually observed on the rear side (ballistic damage) due to constructive interference, however we manage to see on few samples front damage also. Values above 50 J/cm² were common for all tested samples.