In this study, we explore the non-linear absorptance properties of Ta2O5, HfO2, and SiO2 oxide coatings when subjected to intense laser irradiation. Employing common path interferometry (CPI) in combination with intense laser pulses at 1064 nm (10 ps), we investigated both single- and multi-layer coatings. Surprisingly, HfO2 and SiO2 coatings exhibited almost negligible nonlinearity, while Ta2O5 layers displayed rather significant non-linear behavior. Despite the assumed 3-photon absorption process estimated from photon energy and band gap relations, our observations indicate a prevalence of 2-photon absorption in Ta2O5 layers. These findings carry significant implications for comprehending the performance of multilayer optics, especially dispersive mirrors, under conditions of high intensity.
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