title: Ultraviolet laser contamination of quartz optics.
abstract: Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the cause of degradation of two quartz polarizers used in conjunction with a cw UV laser. UV transmission spectra and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic measurements of the damaged optic and laser-induced photolysis of one of the adhesives used to hold the polarizer in position indicate that the degradation is most probably a result of UV photolysis of adhesive residue. It would therefore be prudent to avoid use of all organic adhesives in UV laser optics. An alternative method of holding a quartz beam splitter without adhesives is described and is currently being used.
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Hills
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Coleman