Theoretical analysis of the accumulation effect in laser damage to transparent dielectrics under repeated irradiation conditions

A phenomenological model is proposed of the accumulation of irreversible changes initiated by absorbing inclusions in a transparent dielectric material under the action of laser radiation. A study is made of the kinetics of such accumulation in the case of strongly and weakly absorbing inclusions. The main relationships of the accumulation process are established, in particular, the dependence of the intensity of the laser radiation causing damage to dielectrics under repeated irradiation conditions on the number of pulses. The results are compared with experimental data.