This project deals with the establishment of an upgraded laser materials test facility. The current facility enables investigation of high field effects and failure mode mechanisms in many materials in bulk form (crystalline and vitreous forms), then films supported by dielectric substrates, optical liquids, (including liquid crystalline compounds), and liquid or self supporting optical polymers and sol-gel structures. This equipment grant will enable improvements in the laser's per pulse energy, repetition rate, beam quality and reliability thus enabling more accurate testing of layer areas of more damage resistant materials in less time.
