Study of the reflectivity of ceramics materials for laser-cavity mirrors

High power lasers for industrial applications necessitate easy handling and ability to be subjected to fast movements. Thus, small volume and weight for these devices without prejudicing their accuracy of beam-fire and their integrity during the time is required. Solid state crystal Nd: YAG lasers were consequently considered. An important aspect under high power irradiation, is the system of mirrors of the cavity that must reflect back towards the laser active crystal source a sufficient radiant energy to activate laser pumping. At the same time the material of these mirrors must not degrade in short times (in the sense of industrial applications) and be sufficiently able to dissipate the produced heat. Ceramics are obvious candidates in particular alumina ceramic. After the test concerning the reflectivity of a wide range of white materials, it was realized that alumina ceramic is up to now the better and about which current technology allows easy manufacture of these mirrors. Certain rules must be followed to prepare white alumina mirrors able to maintain for sufficiently long times their reflectivity such as sintering at suitably high temperature in reducing atmosphere using very pure corundum-like spheroidal grains, correct granulometry of the utilized powders and treatment of the surface with a specific porcelain-like glaze before firing.