Abstract: The invention features an apparatus including a first portion defining an optical axis and configured to connect to an optical fiber, a second portion having a reference surface configured to connect with a terminal, and a third portion between the first and second portions. The third portion bends more easily than either the first or second portion to permit adjustable alignment of the optical axis relative to the reference surface.

Abstract: The invention features an apparatus including a first portion defining an optical axis and configured to connect to an optical fiber, a second portion having a reference surface configured to connect with a terminal, and a third portion between the first and second portions. The third portion bends more easily than either the first or second portion to permit adjustable alignment of the optical axis relative to the reference surface.

Abstract: The invention features a displacement and dispersion measuring interferometry system having a Helium-Neon laser light source. The light source can be a Helium-Neon laser that includes an intracavity doubling crystal and an intracavity etalon to generate two harmonically related, single-frequency wavelengths at sufficient powers for interferometric dispersion measurements. Alternatively, the light source can be a single-mode Helium-Neon laser that directs a single-frequency input beam into a resonant external cavity enclosing a doubling crystal to generate two harmonically related, single-frequency wavelengths at sufficient powers for interferometric dispersion measurements. In addition to dispersion measurements, the inherent wavelength stability of the Helium-Neon source permits high-accuracy displacement measurements.

Abstract: The invention features a nonlinear optical crystal assembly and a gas mixture that surrounds the nonlinear crystal. The gas mixture reduces photochemical degradation of the nonlinear crystal caused by exposure of the nonlinear crystal to a high power light source. For example, the nonlinear crystal may be a borate-based nonlinear crystal such as BBO and the gas mixture may include a hydrogen and oxygen to repair broken bonds in boron-oxygen rings of the borate-based crystal. The assembly may be incorporated into a light source, and applications requiring such a light source, such as, e.g., applications requiring ultraviolet light. Furthermore, the nonlinear crystal assembly may be placed inside an optical cavity.

Abstract: The invention features a nonlinear optical crystal assembly and a gas mixture that surrounds the nonlinear crystal. The gas mixture reduces photochemical degradation of the nonlinear crystal caused by exposure of the nonlinear crystal to a high power light source. For example, the nonlinear crystal may be a borate-based nonlinear crystal such as BBO and the gas mixture may include a hydrogen and oxygen to repair broken bonds in boron-oxygen rings of the borate-based crystal. The assembly may be incorporated into a light source, and applications requiring such a light source, such as, e.g., applications requiring ultraviolet light. Furthermore, the nonlinear crystal assembly may be placed inside an optical cavity.

Abstract: A high output, compact laser having a multi-line spectral output and an internal mirror, integral resonator design is disclosed. The laser structure comprises a laser tube containing a resonant cavity, an output coupler and an active medium. A power supply and coolant assembly are coupled to the laser tube. The coolant assembly is a hybrid coolant scheme wherein one portion of the tube is cooled by circulating water coolant, while another portion or portions are cooled by circulating air. In one aspect, the laser tube includes a ceramic bore surrounded by a sheath sealed at a first end and a second end of the ceramic bore, and coolant is provided between the sheath and the bore. In a further aspect, forced air is directed over a reservoir portion of the tube. The reservoir portion may be manufactured from a metallic alloy comprised of nickel iron cobalt with copper cooling fins brazed to the reservoir to increase thermal cooling efficiency and isothermal distribution of heat.

Abstract: A method for affixing the optics of a laser to the laser tube, comprising: providing a substrate seat, coupling a substrate to the seat, coating the substrate with a multilayer thin film coating, and securing the substrate seat to the laser tube. In a further aspect, a method for manufacturing a resonant cavity is disclosed, the method comprising: providing a laser tube having first and second ends, securing a substrate mount, having a coated output coupler secured thereto, into one end of the laser tube, securing a substrate mount, having a coated reflecting mirror secured thereto, into the other end of the laser tube, and sealing the laser tube.

Abstract: A compressible heat-dissipating fin, a compressed heat-dissipating fin assembly, and a method for making a fin assembly for cooling an electromechanical device such as a transverse-flow forced air-cooled ion gas laser are disclosed. Each fin preferably has a slit running through its center except for a small hinge. The slit provides the fin with compressibility and increased contact pressure when the fin is fitted directly to and compressed against the tube, preferably by clamping, during the brazing cycle.

Abstract: A hollow mirror seat, insertable into the end of a laser tube, has a first portion having a first length and a first outside diameter close to the inside diameter of the laser tube. A second portion of the mirror seat has a second length and a second outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the laser tube. A portion of the second length has a region of reduced wall thickness around its entire circumference.

Abstract: A bore support assembly is used in construction of an outer envelope of a laser and for supporting an inner bore tube of the laser near its free end. The bore support assembly includes a generally planar joiner ring having radially spaced outer and inner peripheries. At its outer periphery, it becomes rigidly attached to the interior of the envelope during formation of the latter from separate bore assembly tube and reservoir tube sections. Its inner periphery has a central opening receiving the bore tube. The bore support assembly also includes a spider structure and a preform element for attaching it to the exterior of bore tube. The spider structure has an outer peripheral portion attached to the inner periphery of the joiner ring so as to position the spider structure on one side of the joiner ring and along the central opening thereof.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing helium metal vapor laser tubes having an extended life characteristic. Three main areas of processing are presented which extend the life expectancy of a helium metal vapor laser tube. The first area of processing is directed to a time bake under vacuum of the tube to be used; the second is directed to the melting of the metal in an argon atmosphere; and the third area is directed to a final burn-in procedure of the helium metal vapor laser using the manufactured helium metal vapor tube.

Abstract: A laser mirror mounting device adapted to provide for the exchangeability of sets of mirrors associated with various wavelengths of operation of a multi-wavelength laser without requiring realignment of the laser after each set of mirrors is changed. A housing, attachable to a laser support apparatus, is provided and includes an adjustable internal reference surface. The mirror mounting device is adapted for positioning within the housing and includes an external reference surface for adjustment relative to the internal reference surface of the housing. The device further includes support means for supporting a mirror relative to the laser and an adjustment means for adjusting the angular relationship of the mirror relative to the external reference surface. A housing cover engages the device for maintaining the external reference surface of the device in firm contact with the internal reference surface of the housing.