Abstract: An SBS cell (20) for use in combination with a laser system (10) on a mobile platform. The SBS cell (20) includes inner and outer tubes (32, 34) that define inner and outer chambers (38, 40). The inner tube (32) is completely filled with an SBS fluid (76) and the outer tube (34) is filled to a level that is above the fill hole (42) of the inner tube (32). The outer tube (34) is sized to trap enough air to provide a compressible volume for cell fluid expansion from temperature changes in the laser environment. The SBS cell (20) is filled in an upside-down position, and the cell (20) is rotated 180° to its operating position. In this position, the fill hole (42) is pointed downward, and since the air bubbles float to the top, the distance between the inner tube fill hole (42) and the trapped air is sufficient enough to prevent air bubbles from migrating to the fill hole (42) and entering the inner tube (32).

Abstract: A technique for controlling the coefficient of thermal expansion of composite structural members (16, 18, 20, 22) in an optical assembly (10) to maintain precise alignment between optical components (26, 28). The technique includes measuring the coefficient of thermal expansion of each composite structural member (16, 18, 20, 22) and identifying a target structural member having the highest coefficient of thermal expansion. A small end portion of the non-target structural members (16, 18, 20, 22) is removed and replaced with a spacer member (38). The spacer member (38) is made of a material so that the combination of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the spacer member (38) and the structural member (16, 18, 20, 22) matches the target coefficient of thermal expansion. Additionally, the thickness of the spacer member (38) is selected so that the overall length of each of the structural members is the same.

Abstract: A precision mirror mount that is adjustable and able to be securely locked in angular orientation about two perpendicular axes (20, 30), to a high degree of angular resolution. A mirror (10) is bonded to a mirror cell (12), to which is rigidly connected a rod (18). The rod (18) engages a hole in a block 22 and is rotatable to adjust the angular orientation of the mirror about a first rotation axis. The block 22 is part of a mount stage (14) that also includes a second rod (26) designed to engage a hole in another block (28) that is part of a mirror mount stand (16). Rotation of the mount stage (14) about the axis (30) of the second rod (26) provide for mirror adjustment about a second rotation axis. Each of the blocks (22, 28) has a slot (34, 42) and a locking screw (36, 44) that together form locking mechanisms that clamp the respective rods (18, 26) to prevent unwanted angular movement.

Abstract: A gain generator 10 for use in high-energy flowing gas lasers such as COIL devices comprises a chemical reactant mixing nozzle 12 disposed in a gain medium 16. The nozzle includes a plurality of blades 22 formed of a plastic material resistant to chemical attack at the operating temperature of the gain medium and non-catalytic to O.sub.2 (.sup.1 .DELTA.). A preferred material is polyetherimide. The gain medium includes octagonal shaped openings 50 for the optical mode of the laser beam.