High power laser damage & annealing - Justification for ISO Standard Recommendations

Values for Laser Induced Damage Thresholds (LIDTs) can vary. Inflated values give a rosy glow to the coater and a redder glow to the end user when their optics damage under seemingly safe conditions. There is much finger pointing within the damage community and there are numerous sources of variance. This situation highlights the importance of following the ISO standards for laser damage testing.