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Subsurface Damage

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Subsurface Damage

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Every optic, no matter how meticulously manufactured, will have some level of subsurface damage below the top surface of the optic such as cracks, residual stresses, contaminants, and voids. These defects may be caused in the manufacturing process or inherent to the type or quality of the material used. When illuminated with a laser, subsurface damage can increase absorption and scatter, generating heat and leading to decreased throughput. These performance irregularities potentially lead to system failure when using high-power lasers or when a system is under significant mechanical stress.

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