It is my understanding that DPSS laser crystals will burn out if they are pumped with a higher output than they are designed to handle. However, I'm a little confused as to what actually happens.
For example, from what I've read, the melting and decomposition temperatures of KTP crystals (in the case of green lasers) are well above 1,000° C. However, hobbyist lasers are unlikely to heat a crystal to such high temperatures, so melting and chemical changes seem out of the question.
So what actually happens? Does the crystal give in to thermal stress?
For example, from what I've read, the melting and decomposition temperatures of KTP crystals (in the case of green lasers) are well above 1,000° C. However, hobbyist lasers are unlikely to heat a crystal to such high temperatures, so melting and chemical changes seem out of the question.
So what actually happens? Does the crystal give in to thermal stress?