Influence of dynamic deformation of the optical components on forming the radiation wavefront in a laser and in a master-oscillator–amplifier system

An experimental investigation was made of the dynamic deformation of metal laser mirrors under the action of radiation. Calculations were made of the influence of these deformations on the wavefront formation in a CO₂ laser system consisting of a master oscillator and an amplifier. Quantitative data were obtained on the rise of a mirror surface as a function of the absorbed energy. The most dangerous size of mirror inhomogeneities for a laser (amplifier), causing the highest radiation energy losses within a selected angle was determined.