Optimizing sub-nanosecond laser conditioning of DKDP crystals by varying the temporal shape of the pulse.

We propose a strategy to optimize the laser conditioning of DKDP crystals by varying the temporal shape of sub-nanosecond pulses. Four sub-ns temporally shaped pulses with nearly the same full width at half maxima of ∼600 ps but different rising-falling statuses were designed to conduct laser-induced damage (LID) and laser conditioning experiments on DKDP crystals. The shape of the pulse substantially influences the damage pinpoints size and LID threshold (LIDT) of the crystals in the sub-nanosecond range. After sub-nanosecond laser conditioning, the ns R-on-1 LIDT showed that slow-rising fast-falling pulse (R400-F200 and High-foot pulses) conditioning achieved a 14%-20% LIDT enhancement than the traditional Gaussian pulse (R300-F300 pulse). The 8-ns laser damage morphologies after slow-rising fast-falling pulse conditioning showed cracks, whereas those after fast-rising slow-falling pulse (R200-F400 pulse) conditioning were pinpoint core, as usual. These results suggest that the rising front plays an important role in the LID and laser conditioning of the DKDP crystals. A pulse with a slower rising front is beneficial for thermal modification, thereby leading to better LID properties. This strategy greatly expands and enriches the manipulation methods to improve the LIDT of DKDP crystals, and sheds light on understanding the laser damage mechanisms.