Physical and chemical cleaning of the surface of power metal optics for the purpose of increase in beam firmness

Abstract

Abstract Features of the choice of solvents for the physical and chemical cleaning of power optical elements in accordance with the parametric solubility theory were investigated. When cleaning the surface from the model contaminant with halogenated hydrocarbons, visually observed white film of alkali and alkaline earth metal salts that are not soluble by this class of solvents and iridescent bands from the interaction of hydrocarbons with the metal remain on the surface. All this greatly impairs the optical properties of the surface. It was shown that, when using solvents, it is necessary to inhibit the interaction of halogenated hydrocarbons with mirrors by stabilizing solvents or by selecting the regimes for carrying out the physicochemical purification process, or by thereof combination.