Performance analysis of hydroxide-catalysis-bonded optical components for high-energy laser applications

High-energy laser systems require optical bonding technologies that go beyond the thermal and optical limitations of conventional adhesives. Hydroxide catalysis bonding (HCB) provides an adhesive-free, optically clean, and thermally robust option for assembling crucial components. This work investigates the performance of HCB-bonded optical components, both coated and uncoated, for high-energy laser beam applications. Samples were produced by HCB and bonding quality evaluated visually. Furthermore, the bonding interface was investigated using Laser-Induced Damage Threshold (LIDT) testing, Photothermal Common-path Interferometry (PCI), and Laser-Induced Deflection (LID) absorption analysis. The results showed that HCB allows the production of homogeneous, bulk-like, defect-free bonds with excellent optical performance at high laser fluence. After post-bonding treatment coated and uncoated samples showed high bond durability and low absorption, suggesting HCB's applicability for high-LIDT optical assemblies.