Optical strength of the surface of zinc selenide subjected to single and repeated interaction with radiation from a pulsed CO2 laser

A considerable difference was found between the dependences of the optical damage threshold of the surface of zinc selenide on the area of the irradiated spot when single CO₂ laser pulses were used and when the surface was exposed repeatedly to such pulses. Electron microscopy was used to identify the characteristic types of damage. The experimental results were explained on the basis of the probabilistic nature of the presence of defects with a lower evaporation threshold in the irradiation zone using a theory of thermoelastic interaction of pulsed laser radiation with the surfaces of solids.