ISO LIDT Certification Test (21254-1,3)

Laser Damage Certification (Pass/Fail Test) explained:

Use this test for:

• Checking/certifying laser damage performance of the entire production batch;
• Check purchased optic’s quality before use in critical applications;
• Inspect whether optical element meets qualifications;
• Validation of optics lifetime predictions;

Test description

To perform the Pass/Fail certification test procedure several test sites (minimum – 1, typically – 10, best – as many as possible) are selected on the test area. Each of those sites is then interrogated with a fixed laser irradiation level. In case all test sites survive irradiation without damage sample is certified as good enough for further use. Otherwise, the component does not meet the specifications and cannot be used anyway.

Known limitations and risks:

• False-negative results are possible if optical element has low defect density (use raster scan instead);
• False-negative results are possible if there is a delayed fatigue effect (use extended irradiation dose if possible);
• No information about the actual LIDT;

Most popular test parameters for this test

⁽¹⁾ effective pulse duration measured at Full Width Half Maximum