Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibration absorber in which an absorber end mass is coupled to a primary mass by means of a cantilevered beam, wherein at least a portion of the beam comprises a shape memory alloy (SMA). Preferably, the end mass is coupled to the primary mass with several discrete SMA wires which may be individually heated. When each of the SMA wires is heated above a predetermined temperature, the SMA material undergoes a phase change which results in a change in the stiffness of the SMA wire. Heating of the various wires in various combinations allows the operational frequency of the absorber to be actively tuned. The frequency of the absorber may therefore be tuned to closely match the current vibrational frequency of the primary mass, thereby allowing the absorber to be adaptively tuned to the frequency of the primary mass in a simple and straightforward manner.

Abstract: An autoalignment system for a laser having a pair of reflector assemblies capable of providing six degrees of freedom of movement to the reflector element formed as part of each of the reflector assemblies. Each reflector assembly is made up of a reflector unit, a gimbal knuckle joint and a translator mechanism. The interconnection between the reflector unit and the gimbal knuckle joint provides for two degrees of freedom while the translator mechanism and its interconnection with the gimbal knuckle joint provides the additional four degrees of freedom. Cooling of the reflector elements is accomplished by way of a coolant system which is incorporated within the autoalignment system of the laser, while motivation of the autoalignment system is in the form of a plurality of drivers operably connected to the various elements of the reflector assembly.