Developing KH2PO4 and KD2 PO4 crystals for the world's most powerful laser

To meet the demands of the National Ignition Facility for a large number of half-metre scale, high quality crystals of KH2PO4 (KDP) and KZ(2)PO(4) (DKDP), the Laser Program at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has pursued a major effort to develop a method for growing these crystals at high rates. This effort has resulted in a production technology capable of producing half-metre boules at 5 to 10 times the rates previously employed and a technique for applying antireflection coatings to crystal plates cut from these boules. In addition, it has led to quantification of the connection between growth defects and optical performance and a greater understanding of the physics of KDP growth. Here, the accomplishments of this development effort are described. (C) IoM Communications Ltd and ASM International.