Abstract: A process for producing an interface unit and also a group of such interface units are specified. The interface unit exhibits a first reference surface for beaming in radiation, a second reference surface for emitting the radiation, and an axis extending in the direction from the first to the second reference surface. The production process comprises the steps of setting an optical path length of the interface unit between the first and second reference surfaces along the axis and the fixing of the set optical path length of the interface unit. The optical path length of the interface unit is set in such a way that radiation of a defined numerical aperture beamed in at the first reference surface exhibits a focus location that is predetermined with respect to the second reference surface in the direction of the axis. A precise and uniform focus location with respect to the second reference surface is obtained.

Abstract: An interface unit for positioning an object to be irradiated in relation to a radiation source has at least one first positioning surface for positioning the interface unit in relation to the radiation source, and a second positioning surface for bearing on the object to be irradiated. The interface unit provides a path, which passes through the second positioning surface, for the radiation from the radiation source. According to the invention, the interface unit comprises an integrally produced interface body which forms both the at least one first positioning surface and the second positioning surface. The interface body is preferably produced from a plastic material by an injection compression moulding method, in order to achieve the desired high manufacturing accuracy.

Abstract: A process is proposed for testing a laser device that has been set up to emit pulsed focused laser radiation, the focal position of which is adjustable both in and across the direction of propagation of the laser radiation. The laser device includes a contact element that is transparent to the laser radiation, with an abutment surface for abutment of an object to be machined. Within the scope of the process, a test object that is transparent to the laser radiation at least in a machining region is applied onto the abutment surface of the contact element. Then laser radiation is beamed into the test object bearing against the abutment surface and in the process the focal position is moved in accordance with a predetermined test pattern, in order to generate enduring machining structures in the test object.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, a process for coupling a mechanical interface unit to a suction-ring unit retained on an eye by suction force includes a step of relative approximating of the interface unit to the suction-ring unit in an axial direction as far as a first, predetermined relative position of the two components, which is preferentially detected by suitable sensorics. When the first relative position is attained, the evacuation is begun of a suction chamber formed between the interface unit, the suction-ring unit and the surface of the eye, whereby the partial vacuum generated establishes in the suction chamber a contact between the surface of the eye and an applanation plate retained on the interface unit, or enlarges a region of existing contact. The aspirating of the eye onto the applanation plate prevents compression loads and shear loads on the eye such as normally cannot be avoided when impressing the plate onto the eye.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a tissue part of an eye by means of laser radiation includes a suction-ring unit (16) which is capable of being mounted onto the eye, with a ring axis (22), a mechanical interface unit (34) which is separate from the suction-ring unit (16), which is capable of being moved along the ring axis (22) in coupling contact with the latter, and which is capable of being mechanically coupled with optical means (70) which focus the laser radiation onto or into the tissue part (12) of the eye, and sealing means (44, 52) which upon movement of the interface unit (34) in coupling contact with the suction-ring unit (16) form a space (58) which is capable of being evacuated and which is delimited by sealing surfaces (46, 60) of the interface unit (34) and of the suction-ring unit (16) and of the sealing means (44, 52).