Abstract: A method and apparatus for precisely aligning waveguide lasers. Each optical element of a waveguide laser is systematically and independently adjusted relative to pertinent waveguide segments. A test laser beam is propagated into a waveguide segment which is adjacent to a selected end port substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis running through the center of the waveguide segment so that the test laser beam contacts opposing wall portions along two axes of the selected end port. The test laser beam is reflected through each successive waveguide segment, the diffraction patterns of the reflected test laser beam are detected at the end opposite the reflecting means, and the reflecting elements are adjusted until the diffraction patterns of the reflected test laser beam are substantially symmetrical.