Optical measurement setup for determining laser-induced absorption

Scattered light mapping of a multi-layer coating coating (IBS process). Materials: HfO2 & SiO2, TS-Grundwert 182 ppm, Test wavelength 532 nm.

Herriott cell for detecting trace gases using laser spectroscopy

Work of the group focusses on:

• Development and optimization of metrological processes for highly precise characterization of optical components
  • Optical losses with proof limits in the ppb range: Absorption using laser calorimetry (according to ISO 11551), laser-induced fluorescence (LiF) and total scattering (according to ISO 13696)
  • Laser-induced damage threshold and long-term stability of optical materials and coatings (according to ISO 21254) – NIR to VUV
  • Spectrophotometry (reflection and transmission) from the mid-IR range to the soft x-ray range
• All measurement processes can be used for research projects or offered as a service
• Complete equipment is offered for standardized measurement processes, and can be adapted to customer specifications
• Consulting services for critical questions concerning quality of laser optics
• Qualification of new optical materials

Current scientific work and projects:

• PEARLS „Präparation, Evaluation und Anwendung Randomisierter Lasersysteme“. Work on the development and application of optically pumped lasing materials which provide sufficient amplification for laser use, but without an optical cavity (BMBF)
• Laser radiation induced contamination of dielectric optics for use in outer space – a project together with Laseroptik GmbH and the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt for ESA/ESTEC
• XUV-Spectroscopy for surface analysis of high power laser optics
• Investigations on the damage mechanisms of dielectric coatings subjected to pulsed UV laser radiation
• Work in the standardization working groups of the DIN and ISO concerning the introduction and reworking of measurement standards for optical thin-film analysis.