Laser-induced surface damage of transparent dielectrics

Relative values of surface-damage thresholds of transparent dielectrics are calculated for various angles of incidence and polarization. The analysis is valid for damage mechanisms that depend on the electric-field strengths in the immediate vicinity of a damage site. The mechanisms of small inclusions and avalanche breakdown are shown to be included in the range of validity. An example is presented to illustrate how the results can be used in the design of damage-resistant optical components.