HYGROSCOPIC CRYSTAL PROTECTION

摘要

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a laser resonator (102) that includes a nonlinear hygroscopic crystal (1 12) having an optical surface (130 or 132) and a coating (134) comprising a fluoropolymer on the optical surface. Another embodiment is directed to a method of protecting a hygroscopic crystal. In the method, a nonlinear hygroscopic crystal (112) having an optical surface (130 or 132) is provided (142). A fluoropolymer is also provided (144). The optical surface of the crystal is coated (146) with the fluoropolymer.