What is the similarity between laser ablation and optical damage?

Both laser ablation and optical damage involve the interaction of high-intensity laser light with a material. In laser ablation, the laser light is used to remove (ablate) material from a surface. In optical damage, the laser light causes damage to the material, such as melting or vaporization. The main difference between the two is the desired outcome: laser ablation is a controlled process that aims to remove material in a precise manner, while optical damage is an unwanted side effect of high-intensity laser light that can cause problems in optical systems.