Studies on thin films as short pulse laser debris shields

Optical properties of various thin films such as Nitrocellulose, Mylar, and Polyimide were investigated with respect to their application as laser debris shields. Studies on optical and spectral transmission quality, absorption, stress induced birefringence, and damage threshold have been performed. Scalability to large apertures was also considered. Studies were performed of how focusing geometry, target alignment, and mechanical components can help mitigate target debris traveling back to the focusing optic.