Anisotropic optical interference coatings for polarization control in high-power lasers

Optical anisotropy played a crucial role in development of advanced optical systems. In this study, a novel multi-layer approach of high band-gap birefringent coatings was proposed and investigated. Zero-order thin film retarders and normal incidence polarizers based on all-silica nanostructures are fabricated by oblique angle deposition process. Low optical losses and the potential to withstand high laser fluence in nanosecond regime at 355 nm wavelength for both elements were demonstrated.