Experimental investigation on residual reflectance of Nd:glass amplifier edge cladding

A novel four light ray path test method for measuring residual reflectance has been presented. Residual reflectance spatial distribution at a cladding interface was measured using the technique. Residual reflectance could be on the order of 10(-5) by matching the refractive index of Nd:glass, polymer, and cladding glass and eliminating defects in the adhesive layer. Residual reflection spatial distribution appears to be similar to Newton rings due to the edge surface flatness. The relationship between the residual reflectance and the edge surface flatness was discussed, and the results revealed that the edge surface flatness is very important during the cladding process.