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We investigated laser-induced deposition processes on BK7 substrates under the influence of pulsed Q-switched Nd:YAG laser radiation, starting from small toluene partial pressures in a background vacuum environment. The composition and structure of the deposit was analyzed using microscopic methods like Nomarski DIC, dark-field and white-light interference microscopy, TEM, EDX and XPS. We found a distinct threshold for deposition built-up dependant on the partial pressure of toluene (0.2 J/cm 2 at 0.1 mbar, 0.8 J/cm 2 at 0.01 mbar toluene). The deposits strictly followed the spherical geometry of the laser spot. No deposit accumulated on MgF 2 AR coated BK7 samples even at high toluene partial pressures. The onset of deposit was accompanied by periodic surface ripples formation. EDX and XPS analysis showed a carbon-like layer which strongly absorbed the 1 µm laser radiation. The typical number of shots applied was 50 000. In addition, long term lifetime tests of more than 5 Mio. shots per site were run.

This work summarizes the results from an extensive test campaign in which space-based laser optics were qualified for the upcoming ESA ADM-Aeolus mission. 14 different types of optical components from different suppliers were tested at the Nd:YAG laser wavelength according to the ISO standard 11 254 -2 for multiple pulse testing. A new technique based on transient pressure sensing was developed to monitor the occurrence of damage on a sample surface exposed to a vacuum environment. Parallel testing of reference samples showed a distinct degradation under vacuum compared to atmospheric or pressurized environment. For all samples tested we found a typical behavior in the characteristic damage curves attained: A sharp drop in LIDT for small pulse numbers followed by a smooth decrease for larger pulse numbers (laser fatigue effect).

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