Assessing low laser damage densities of fused silica optics by means of a functional raster scan protocol.

The knowledge of the laser damage resistance of fused silica optics for their use in high-power lasers is of primary importance for the operation and maintenance of these facilities. Among the control procedures developed, one of the most relevant to date is the raster scan procedure [Lamaignère et al., Rev.

Large optics metrology for high-power lasers.

The Laser MégaJoule (LMJ) is a high-power laser dedicated to laser-plasma experiments. At the beginning of the project in the mid-1990s, an optical metrology laboratory was created at CEA to help accomplish all the steps in the construction of this laser. This paper proposes an overview of the capabilities of this metrology laboratory in four main fields: surface imperfections, photometry, laser damage measurement, and wavefront measurement.

Design and optical characterization of a large continuous phase plate for Laser Integration Line and Laser Megajoule facilities.

For development of the French Laser Integration Line and the Laser Megajoule, we describe the design and the control of a first 383 mm x 398 mm continuous phase-plate prototype. Extensively used in laser fusion facilities for beam smoothing, this optical component was manufactured by deep etching onto a fused-silica substrate, which led to a phase plate engraved directly onto fused silica, with which good optical performance could be achieved. We demonstrate good agreement between the desired simulated component and the manufactured component in terms of focal spot shape.