In laser and reactor chambers for inertial fusion energy (IFE) programs, optical surface damage is a significant problem (particularly for the final optics), admitting very high-energy laser beams into the fusion reactor chamber. Critical optical components require a contamination resistant coating, so that they may be used (and cleaned, if necessary) without damage. This project will develop a protective coating for IFE final optical components by advanced plasma and/or ion beam deposition methods. Phase I will investigate promising deposition methods for applying durable, transparent coatings to inertial fusion laser optics and test the coatings for adherence, optical properties, water contact angle, and gross resistance to excimer laser damage. Based on the coating test results, the most promising coatings will be selected for application to laser windows and other IFE optics. Process specifications will be generated for the most successful coating process and the associated deposition system.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The availability of robust packaging methods for coated optical components should have benefits in many areas of applications for lasers, including material processing systems, LIDAR systems, and aerospace systems. Other non-optical commercial applications include data storage, wear and friction reducing coatings, micro-electromechanical devices, microelectronics manufacture, displays, and opthalmics
