Laser-induced damage of a large-aperture potassium dihydrogen phosphate crystal due to transverse stimulated Raman scattering

A unique 'double-lung' laser-induced damage pattern of a large-aperture potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) crystal is observed during a damage experiment carried out on a large-aperture laser system, which has not been predicted by damage tests on small-aperture laser systems. Investigations show that 'double-lung' damage results from transverse stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and the non-uniform fluence and intensity distribution of transverse SRS leads to the 'double-lung' damage pattern. (paper)