LIDT Capabilities

In the ultrafast regime, challenges include managing nonlinear effects, which can lead to damage in optical components due to high peak powers concentrated at ultra-short durations. While managing catastrophic damage is crucial for ultrafast laser optics, the color-change effect is also an arch-enemy and a LIDT-limiting factor, which has to be eliminated in order to increase the lifetime of optics and reduce the total cost of ownership. This regime is what OPTOMAN thrives on.

Secondly, the picosecond regime is the transitional interval of the pulse duration where nonlinear effects are still not significant. Thermal effects caused by high repetition rates of picosecond lasers are a serious concern, potentially resulting in heating and consequently damage to optical components. Moreover, when the pulse duration is less than 10 ps, nonlinear effects become relevant and the color mode of damage is dominant.

Third, although peak powers produced by nanosecond lasers are not so significant (at least for OPTOMAN), coating damage is still a common concern in this regime. Laser optics must be manufactured with utmost precision to be applicable in nanosecond laser applications.

And lastly, in the continuous-wave (CW) regime, managing average power levels and thermal effects is crucial. Continuous exposure to high power densities can lead to thermal lensing, optical coatings degradation, and other forms of damage over time.