Atmospheric tarnishing of silver-plated laser mirrors

摘要

Purified air is being considered as a cost-effective alternative to evaporated liquid nitrogen for cooling laser amplifiers in the National Ignition Facility (NIF). Atmospheric corrosion of the associated flashlamp reflectors could cause significant degradation of overall laser performance. Therefore, a comprehensive study has been undertaken to address this important problem. Specific contributions include: (1) a detailed literature search, with a critical analysis of published data; (2) Predictive calculations based on the published data, as well as new measurements made a Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL); (3) Analyses of proposed coolant gases to determine the actual concentrations of H2S, SO2, COS, CS2, H2O, NO2, Cl2, and organic forms of sulfur; and (4) Investigations of both ultra-filtration of air and protective optical coatings as possible means of preventing mirror tarnish.