Laser Damage Evaluation Methods. Application to Critical Components in EO-Sensors.

摘要

Electro-optical (EO) sensors employed in military applications are sensitive to laser exposure. Sensitive components include e.g. detectors or other components located in focal regions within the sensor. Studies of laser damage susceptibility must be performed, both experimentally and theoretically, to be able to define damage thresholds and explain damage mechanisms. One major problem in laser damage studies is to define the laser damage threshold and use appropriate methods to detect damage. Several parameters such as the experimental procedure, experimental parameters, damage evaluation methods and damage mechanisms may affect the damage threshold. The experimental procedures need to be designed carefully in order to determine accurate damage thresholds. The purpose of this report is to address the methodology used in laser damage measurements with emphasis on EO-sensors and related components. Methods used to analyze laser damage are reviewed. Different laser damage criteria are discussed. Important detector types, from a military point of view, and electrical parameters are considered. Some examples of the laser damage evaluation techniques used at FOA are presented.