Laser damage dependence on the size and concentration of precursor defects in KDP crystals: view through differently sized filter pores.

We investigate the laser-induced damage performance at 1064 nm of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) crystals grown using filters of different pore sizes. The aim is to explore a novel method for understanding laser-matter interactions with regard to physical parameters affecting the ability of damage precursors to initiate damage. By reducing the pore size of filters in continuous filtration growth, we can improve laser damage resistance. Furthermore, we develop a model based on a Gaussian distribution of precursor thresholds and heat transfer to obtain a size distribution of the precursor defects. Smaller size and/or lower concentration of precursor defects could lead to better damage resistance.