title: Time-resolved imaging of processes associated with exit-surface damage growth in fused silica following exposure to nanosecond laser pulses.
abstract: We study the dynamics of energy deposition and subsequent material response associated with exit surface damage growth in fused silica using a time resolved microscope system. This system enables acquisition of two transient images per damage event with temporal resolution of 180 ps and spatial resolution on the order of 1 µm. The experimental results address important issues in laser damage growth that include: a) the specific structural features within a damage site where plasma formation initiates; b) the subsequent growth of the plasma regions; c) the formation and expansion of radial and circumferential cracks; d) the kinetics and duration of material ejection; e) the characteristics of the generated shockwave.
authors.affiliation: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue, Livermore, California 94551, USA. Demos1@llnl.gov
authors.forename: Stavros G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Demos
authors.forename: Rajesh N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Raman
authors.forename: Raluca A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Negres
mesh_terms: D055119:Elastic Modulus / Q000528:radiation effects; D006244:Hardness / Q000528:radiation effects; D006358:Hot Temperature; D007834:Lasers; D008422:Materials Testing; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013499:Surface Properties / Q000528:radiation effects
chemical_list: D012822:Silicon Dioxide