Investigation of the influence of pores on the damage caused to ruby single crystals by laser radiation

An investigation was made of the influence of pores on the damage caused to ruby single crystals by laser radiation. Comparison of the damage caused by focused radiation to single crystals with and without pores demonstrated that the damage occurred after the same number of laser pulses. A direct examination of the damage to ruby elements used in Q -switched lasers indicated that there was no increase in the bulk damage or in the pores. New damage appeared outside pore clusters.