REFRACTIVE-INDEX VARIATION MECHANISM OF LEAD SILICATE-GLASSES UNDER CONDITIONS OF NONLINEAR ABSORPTION OF LASER-RADIATION

This paper discusses refractive-index variations of lead silicate glas ses under conditions of nonlinear absorption of laser radiation. It is shown that this effect results in a significant intensity redistribut ion of the transmitted radiation even in optical elements no more than 1 mm thick. It is established that the refractive-index variation mec hanism is associated with the appearance of unstable color centers in the volume of the glass and leads to heating of the material because o f additional absorption at the wavelength of the exciting radiation. ( C) 1996 The Optical Society of America.