Determination of minimal test sample size for high-accuracy laser damage testing

摘要

This paper presents an argument leading to estimate the minimal acceptable test sample size. In most cases the size of the test sample determines the number of possible test sites, since the other factors are usually fixed by test procedure. If the sample is too small, not enough data points are available and the resulting execution of an ISO standard or equivalent test, returns inaccurate and inprecise results. By use of a computer-based model, a 'single' optic is repeatedly tested and the results plotted versus sample size. This data is used to determine the curve of test accuracy as a function of sample size. The paper concludes with some 'rules of thumb' for determining the minimum acceptable test sample size for a given level of desired accuracy.