The disks of Nd:doped phosphate glass in the amplifiers of the Nova laser contain platinum particles with sizes ranging from <5 ..mu..m (detection limit) to about 100 ..mu..m. The particle density varies from about 0.01 to 1.0 cm/sup -3/. These particles cause fractures when irradiated at fluences >2.5 J/cm/sup 2/ delivered in 1-ns, 1054-nm pulses. Under repeated irradiation at 5 to 7 J/cm/sup 2/, damage from small (<5 ..mu..m) particles asymptotically approaches a limiting size, but damage surrounding the larger particles grows steadily. The damage threshold fluence, 2.5 J/cm/sup 2/, corresponds to operation of Nova at one-half the desired output for pulse durations longer than 1 nsec. Operation at higher fluences causes accumulation of damage in the output amplifiers and requires replacement of the disks in those amplifiers on an accelerated schedule. 9 refs., 5 figs.

Monthly report providing tabular statistical information about motor vehicle accidents in Texas during 1986, with data broken out by various criteria including number of persons, locations, types of accidents, time of day, and other factors.

Monthly report providing tabular statistical information about motor vehicle accidents in rural areas of Texas during 1986, with data broken out by various criteria including number of persons, locations, types of accidents, time of day, and other factors.