Abstract: An optics and environmental protection device for laser processing applications in which a laser processing assembly including a laser beam source is used to process a substrate. The laser processing assembly includes an optical focusing assembly including at least one lens located between the laser source and the substrate for focusing the laser beam on the substrate. The optics and environmental protection device includes a housing defining a chamber located between the optical focusing assembly and the substrate. The housing includes a first opening located adjacent to the optical focusing assembly for admitting the laser beam into the chamber, a second opening located adjacent to the substrate which allows the beam to exit the chamber, a third opening adjacent to which a source of pressurized gas is located, and a fourth opening adjacent to which a vacuum source is located.