Abstract: An apparatus for directing a laser beam to a workpiece surface includes a housing having a laser beam exit aperture. The apparatus further includes an output optical device configured to emit a converging laser beam. The converging laser beam is centered on an axis and is directed outward from the housing through the exit aperture toward a workpiece surface. A water nozzle outlet is arranged to discharge a stream of overlay water toward the workpiece surface. An air nozzle outlet is arranged to discharge a stream of air in a direction transverse to the axis at a location axially between the water nozzle and the exit aperture.