Laser induced damage of DKDP crystals with different deuterated degrees

DKDP crystals with different deuterated degrees have been grown from deuterated aqueous solution by point-seed rapid growth method. The laser induced damage thresholds of z cut and tripler cut samples for these crystals were measured. Laser induced damage threshold of z cut samples was higher than that of tripler cut samples. The intrinsic mechanical anisotropy of DKDP crystals and the existence of non-spherical absorbers were speculated to analyze the orientation dependence of laser induced damage threshold. Moreover, the laser induced damage threshold decreased with the increase of deuterated degree. The results were discussed based on the elastic properties of the DKDP crystals.

► DKDP crystals with different deuterated degrees have been grown by point-seed rapid growth method.
► The laser induced damage threshold decreased with the increase for deuterated degree.
► Two reasons were speculated to analyze the orientation dependence of LIDT.
► The elastic property of these crystals was mentioned to clarify the variation of LIDT dependent on deuterated degree.