Lasers are indeed a self-destructive devices. When an optical elements (mirrors, lenses and etc.) are exposed to intense laser radiation, they might become damaged. Laser-induced damage defines any irreversible change in an optical elements caused by the surface or bulk melting, material softening and bending, cracking, pitting, vaporization or violent shattering. This is an image of such laser-induced damage on the optical surface. It is recorded with Nomarski type microscope. Neither of the details are photoshopped. All the details visible in this picture are also seen by the scientists. In a way it kind of shows that beauty can be found everywhere. Even damages can be beautiful.
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<span class="int-own-work" lang="en">Own work</span>