TM polarization preferentially implemented in the next generation of high-intensity laser systems based on multilayer dielectric gratings

The laser-induced damage (LID) response of multilayer dielectric gratings (MDGs) to transverse magnetic (TM) and transverse electric polarization was investigated based on polarized-independent MDGs. It was found that TM-polarized MDGs have the superiority of a high LID threshold, low sensitivity to laser excitation strength, low response to damaged structure, and reduced LID growth speed and dynamics. These results provide a strong motive to preferentially develop and mount TM-polarized MDGs in the next generation of high-intensity picosecond-petawatt laser systems.