Research progress and prospects of laser coating technology

High-power laser coatings play a critical role in enabling optical manipulation in various laser applications, including beam alignment and control in high-power laser systems.These coatings rely on multilayers and microstructures, such as antireflective (AR) and highly reflective (HR) coatings, filters, and beam splitters, to enhance their performance.This review focuses on laser coatings used for manipulating optical fields, their principal limitations, and laser-induced damage in high-power applications.The concepts, principles, and progress made in exploring the optical performance and distinctive functions of the optical coatings and optimising the laser resistance through structural optimisation, material engineering, and defect elimination are highlighted.Finally, future directions for improving the design flexibility, fabrication feasibility, advanced detection techniques for high-resolution defect characterisation, and further consideration of minimising the optical loss are discussed to meet the evolving demands of modern high-power laser systems.