Nature of the damage caused by laser radiation on the surfaces or in the bulk of transparent glasses

The various forms of laser-induced damage were studied on the entry surfaces, in the bulk, and on the exit surfaces of transparent glasses. The dependences of the dimensions of the damage regions on the intensity of the incident radiation were determined. The damage regions and the stresses in the bulk were examined in natural and polarized light along the direction of incidence of the laser beam and at right angles to it.