Influence of Growth Behavior on Laser-Induced Bulk Damage in Deuterated Potassium Di-hydrogen Phosphate (DKDP) Crystals

Bulk laser damage variability in deuterated potassium di-hydrogen phosphate (DKDP) crystals is well known and makes online conditioning of multiple-beam laser systems difficult to optimize. By using an empirical model, called Absorption Distribution Model (ADM), we were able to map the damage variability of the crystals (boule to boule as well as within the same boule) in terms of defect populations using a damage probability test. Furthermore, a relationship on defect density and the relative damage behavior of a boule based on its late growth behavior have been found and has been used successfully to predict laser damage/conditioning using a damage probability test only.