Densification of Sol-Gel Silica Glass By Laser Irradiation

The results of studies into the interaction between sol-gel prepared silica and 10.6 micon wavelength laser radiation are presented. Hardening of the silica has been measured up to the value for fused silica. The lower densification and upper damage (bloating) thresholds were measured as 4.3 +/0. 2 and 6.3 +/- 0.3 J cm -2 of surf ace irradiated. A reflectivity refractometer has been developed to measure the refractive index of sol-gel surfaces and inconsistencies in the surface were detected resulting in variations in point-to-point measurements.
This articles is from 'Sol-Gel Optics: Proceedings SPIE-The International Society for Optical Engineering Held in San Diego, California on 11-13 July 1990. Volume 1328, AD-A249 986, p474-481.