Features of the limitation of laser radiation by mirrors based on vanadiumdioxide

This paper presents the results of a theoretical and experimental study of the limitation of mid-IR pulsed laser radiation with nonuniform spatial dis tribution by light-controlled mirrors based on vanadium dioxide. It is show n that the dynamic range of the limitation is determined by the modulation depth of the reflectance and transmittance of the mirrors, by the time dela y of their switching on and by the spatial dynamics of the mirror switching in the region where the radiation acts. It is experimentally established t hat the dynamic range of a two-mirror limiter of 10-mum laser radiation is about 10(3) when the delay of switching on the mirror is less than 100 ns. (C) 2001 The Optical Society of America.