Abstract: A method for detecting defects in metallic parts, comprising the steps of providing a metallic surface comprising a repeating microstructure and at least one surface defect, redirecting an incident light beam off of an area of the metallic surface comprising the at least one surface defect thereby forming a redirected light beam, observing the redirected light beam, detecting at least a portion of the redirected light beam resulting from redirection off of the at least one surface defect.

Abstract: A method for detecting defects in metallic parts, comprising the steps of providing a metallic surface comprising a repeating microstructure and at least one surface defect, redirecting an incident light beam off of an area of the metallic surface comprising the at least one surface defect thereby forming a redirected light beam, observing the redirected light beam, detecting at least a portion of the redirected light beam resulting from redirection off of the at least one surface defect.

Abstract: An improved shared aperture sampler for high power laser beams includes a buried mirror positioned behind a dichroic reflective surface that reflects the high power beam and permits the sample beam to pass through and to be focused or deflected by the buried mirror.

Abstract: Methods are described for making a mirror useful in reflecting high energy laser radiation. The mirrors are comprised of an intermediate coating layer applied to the mirror substrate and a reflective coating layer applied to the intermediate layer. Plasma spray techniques are used to apply a readily polishable intermediate coating layer at high deposition rates.

Abstract: A beam splitter or combiner suitable for use with high-power laser beams employs matched dispersive elements to correct for dispersion of a separated beam.

Abstract: A method of bonding a laser mirror faceplate to a substrate involves the use of chemical vapor deposition within coolant passages 12 to form a mechanically strong bond 28 between the faceplate 10 and the substrate 16. The method may also be used for the repair of disbonded sections of laser mirrors without disassembling the faceplate from the substrate.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for monitoring the optical quality of a beam of coherent radiation or an image from an incoherent source is disclosed. The apparatus includes a disk capable of being rotated and having a plurality of rings of slit sets radially disposed within the disk symmetrically about a central axis at a plurality of radial positions wherein each ring of slit sets includes a plurality of slit sets, symmetrically disposed about the ring, each adapted for passing a focused beam of radiation therethrough. A suitable beam steering mechanism such as an adjustable mirror is adapted for directing focused radiation from a first ring to a second ring for varying the intensity of the radiation passing through the slits to detector means for improved signal processing and for varying the parameters of the slits passing the radiation for optimizing the measurement of various beam parameters for determining the optical quality of the radiation.