Reflective attenuator for high-energy laser measurements

A high-energy laser attenuator in the range of 250 mJ (20 ns pulse width, 10 Hz repetition rate, 1064 nm wavelength) is described. The optical elements that constitute the attenuator are mirrors with relatively low reflectance, oriented at a 45 degrees angle of incidence. By combining three pairs of mirrors, the incoming radiation is collinear and has the same polarization orientation as the exit. We present damage testing and polarization-dependent reflectance measurements for 1064 nm laser light at 45 degrees angle of incidence for molybdenum, silicon carbide, and copper mirrors. A six element, 74 times (18 dB) attenuator is presented as an example.