Review: Research progress on nanosecond laser irradiation damage of optical films

Abstract

Nanosecond laser irradiation damage of optical films is one of the main factors to limit the output power when the high power solid laser system is used to drive inertial confinement nuclear fusion. In this review, taking SiO₂ and HfO₂ antireflection films as examples, the physical mechanisms of nanosecond laser irradiation damage of optical films were summarized from two aspects, i.e., numerical simulation studies and experimental investigations, including thermal melting damage, stress damage and plasma damage during irradiation. Based on the current research and difficulties in the field of irradiation damage of optical films, a brief outlook is given here, which may be helpful to improve the output power and operation stability of laser fusion devices in the future.