Dielectric breakdown threshold, two-photon absorption, and other optical damage mechanisms in diamond

The breakdown threshold and two-photon absorption coefficient are measured in diamond with picosecond pulses at 1.06 and 0.53 μm. The rms breakdown threshold at 1.06 μm is 21.5 MV/cm. The two-photon absorption coefficient at 0.53 μm is less than
2.6 \times 10^{-4}
cm/MW.