Sat, 16 May 2026 RO   EN        Project List » Improved Optical Coatings for High Power Laser Systems Improved Optical Coatings for High Power Laser Systems www.nipne.ro/proiecte/pn4/18-projects.html Acronym: IMOC-HPLS Contracting Authority: IFA Number / Date of the contract: 003 / 2025-10-31 Program: 5.9/5.9.1/ELI-RO Project Manager: Dr. Alexandru Nemnes Partners: Starting date / finishing date: 2005-10-31 / 2027-10-31 Project value: 1878000 RON Abstract: We propose an investigation of radiation tolerant materials for optical coatings in view of future experiments using the unique facilities for generation of ultra-high power laser pulses at ELI-NP. Our aim is the discovery of materials with outstanding electronic and mechanical properties in environments with intense radiation conditions based on high throughput computations and machine learning (ML) techniques. Finding suitable protective coatings for the optical components becomes a critical issue for a proper and cost-effective operation of the high power laser systems. The general scope of the project is to provide a theoretical framework, validated by experiment, which will greatly accelerate materials discovery and will guide further experimental research at ELI-NP. This goal shall be achieved by the investigation of novel transition metal oxides (TM-oxides) and layered structures (TixSi10-xO20 mixed materials and TiO2/SiO2 layered materials) for an enhanced LIDT (laser induced damage threshold) response, as well as well for a robust behavior in the context of secondary irradiation sources. Using atomistic calculations, based on density functional theory (DFT), the electronic properties of materials shall be determined first for the ideal systems and, subsequently, the defect states induced by irradiation shall be analyzed, allowing an evaluation of their formation energies, and the modifications in the optical response. Thin films of mixed oxide materials and layered systems shall be fabricated and LIDT measurements shall be performed. In addition, the effects of energetic ions shall be taken into account by film irradiation at the Tandem facility, simulating the effects of contaminations in the coating layers that typically occur during the experiments at ELI-NP. Film characterizations before and after irradiation will assess the improvements with respect to irradiation robustness. The implementation of high throughput computing schemes for material discovery coupled to ML techniques, provides an efficient exploration of the compositional space which, coupled to experimental validation, would enable the identification of materials and structures with robust opto-electronic properties beyond the current state of the art. Objectives: (1) Understanding the degradation of optical components in extreme environments (laser-induced + secondary irradiation sources) by investigating complex defects. (2) Optimizing existing coating solutions by defect engineering and identifying novel materials and structures, candidates for high LIDT optical coatings. THE STAGES OF THE PROJECT AND DELIVERY DATES 1. Set-up the high throughput computing (HTC) scheme for ab initio calculations and preliminary experimental calibration tests (acceleration beam test and LIDT measurements) (2025-12-31) 2. Large scale DFT calculations for pristine and defected materials (Ti-Si-O and TM-Si-O mixtures), testing of force-field parameters for LAMMPS simulations, deposition of single and layered structures and characterizations (2026-12-31) 3. Implementation of ML scheme for efficient screening of radiation-hard materials, experimental validation of candidates, thin films irradiation, LIDT measurements, damage assessment, structural and optical characterizations.  (2027-12-31) RESULTS PUBLISHED ARTICLES RESEARCH TEAM Back to the Project List Versiunea proiectului in limba romana      Address: Str. Reactorului no.30, P.O.BOX MG-6, Bucharest - Magurele, ROMANIA Tel: +(4021) 404.23.00, Fax: +(4021) 457.44.40 2026 IFIN-HH. All rights reserved.