Laser multiparameter method for incoming inspection of the mounting elements used in the volume of sealed neodymium laser emitters

The paper investigates the parameters of the deposition zones as a result of laser radiation effect on the surface of an optical element. For the research, conditions have been created to simulate the inner space of a laser emitter, which contains various mounting elements. The possibilities of using mounting elements in the volume of sealed neodymium laser emitters during their operation have been determined. The authors developed a novel installation, which includes a YAG:Nd laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm, a laser pulse energy of 100 mJ, a laser pulse duration of 10-15 ns, a laser pulse repetition rate of 10 Hz, and a sealed test-cuvette with a mounting element inside it. When laser radiation passes through the space of the test-cuvette for 10 000 s, volatile substances released from the materials of the mounting element absorb the laser radiation and form a deposition zone on the optical elements of the test-cuvette. Optical, geometric, color parameters of these deposition zones and their resistance to the action of solvents are investigated. The work explored the ten mounting elements most frequently used for the manufacture of sealed neodymium laser emitters. It was determined that wires with fluoroplastic insulation, polyolefin heat-shrinkable tubing and indium foil do not create deposition zones on the surface of the optical elements of the test-cuvette. At the same time, it was found that wires with silicone and fluoropolymer insulation, tin-lead alloys (solders) with a tin content of 61 % with and without rosin, polyolefin heat-shrink tubing with an adhesive base and ceramic-polymer heat-conducting dielectric materials do create a deposition zone on the surface of the optical elements of the test-cuvette. Hence they cannot be used in the volume of sealed neodymium laser emitters during their operation. The results can be relevant for the development and manufacture of laser devices, as well as for assessing the possibility of placing mounting elements in the volume of sealed neodymium laser emitters.