Abstract

An uranium enrichment plant utilizing atomic vapor laser isotope separation (AVLIS) technology is currently being planned. Deployment of this plant requires tens of thousands of commercial and custom optical components. The custom optical components are expected to perform at a high level of optical efficiency and reliability in a high average power laser production environment. The custom optical coatings for the AVLIS plant must meet simultaneous performance of numerous material properties, one of which is extremely low levels of absorptance. Low absorptance level minimizes thermal-induced distortion of the optic when exposed to high irradiance laser beams. Distortions are not desired because they cause light loss and subsequent degradation of plant efficiency. Low absorptance also reduces the incidence of laser-induced damage.

© 1998 Optical Society of America