Patent ID: 6058739
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: C03B,C03C

Abstract:
A process for treating fused silica to increase lifetime of an optical element used in high energy ultraviolet systems comprising the steps of:A. prior to completing the fabrication of the optical element defining a useful volume uniformly illuminating the fused silica over the useful volume of the fused silica with sufficient ultraviolet radiation to precompact the fused silica enough to increase the index of refraction by at least 0.1 parts per million,B. after completion of step A, heating the precompacted fused silica to remove solarization effects produced by said radiation;C. completing the fabrication of the optical element; andD. utilizing the optical element in an environment exposing the component to at least 10 billion pulses of UV radiation at intensities of at least 3.3 KW/cm.sup.2 per pulse.