SSD detection on LIDT tested coated Fused Silica samples

Material changes and Sub-Surface Damage (SSD) under Laser Induced Damage Threshold (LIDT) testing sites were investigated on 3 diverse single layer coated transparent fused silica samples to obtain additional information on damage precursors on these samples. As a detection method, photothermal deflection technique utilizing a resonant UV laser beam was used. The local variations in UV absorption and probe beam transmittance due to previous exposure to high fluence laser pulses were strongly dependent on the coating itself and on the laser energy used during the LIDT testing. Also the obtained LIDT values differ from coating to coating. Detected effects on the coatings and substrate surface beneath ranged from small surface dislocations to complete coating damage with material transformations. Additional absorbing damage precursors were found close to the damaged sites.