Abstract: An improved laser rangefinder and thermal imager with enhanced scanning mirror control is disclosed. Optical axes (11,12) are aligned parallel to each other. The system includes only one common thermal image/laser reception channel (8,9,10,11). The angular movement of scanning mirror 8 is compensated during the range finding operation. Synchronizing means (1,2,3,4) located in the beam path controls the movement of the scanning mirror. An improved method for controlling the movement of the scanning mirror which enhances the measuring range of the device is also disclosed. In order to receive CO.sub.2 radiation of narrow bandwidth which is reflected from a target, the cyclical movement of the scanning mirror (8) is precisely controlled in order to position it favorably during the range measuring operation. The frequency of the scanning function is retarded so that the scanning mirror (8) is moved only through a fraction of the width of the image field.

Abstract: A TE laser amplifier has a fully closed metal housing. This fact, its geometry, and that of its electrodes (5-7) and/or the reversal of the output polarity make possible a homogenous field distribution, a capability to influence the local amplification process in the laser medium, and a relatively long lifetime of the gas and the laser.

Abstract: In electrically pumped CO.sub.2 gas lasers, there take place widely different chemical and physical processes which lead, at least partially, to undesirable interactions of the gases among themselves, and/or of the gases with the electrical and/or the optical field and/or with the materials used in the gas-filled chambers. Bodies that are equipped with surface area-enlarging structures are included in the discharge or resonator chamber or in adjacent secondary chambers. The secondary chambers by themselves act as reservoirs or as carriers of reservoirs for suitable catalysts and gas components and/or the heating of the catalysts, and have a predetermined influence over the conditions of volume and/or pressure and/or temperature. The inclusion of such secondary chambers and such structures which enlarge surface area inside the chambers make possible the attainment of at least an approximate state of equilibrium, which leads to uniformly good discharge and long life with high laser efficiency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing the operational state of an optical or optoelectronic sighting device from the READY state to an operational state and vice versa, wherein the change in the state of the device is effected automatically, thereby freeing the user's hands for use in other immediate tasks. The apparatus comprises an eyepiece, a deformable eye rest, shutter means formed integrally therewith, transmitter means, receiver means, reflecting means fixed to the shutter means, and switch means. In the READY state, only those parts of the apparatus which require a relatively longer start-up time are energized. Also, in the READY state, a beam is transmitted from the transmitter means to the reflecting means and then back to the receiver means. When the user presses his head against the deformable eye rest, the eye rest deforms and the shutter means opens, uncovering the sight channel formed by the eyepiece and the eye rest. Also, the optical path of the transmitted beam is interrupted.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for operating a gas laser which utilize the electrical discharge between the electrodes to increase gas circulation. In a first embodiment, electrical discharges cause a control current (pulse) which activates an electromechanical device disposed within a closed gas flow loop. The electromechanical device acts as a pump and effects gas exchange and heat dissipation with a minimum of elements. In other embodiments, electrical discharges cause pressure fluctuations which increase gas circulation without the use of mechanically moved parts. To this end, connecting lines that determine the direction of the flow are placed between the chambers in order to facilitate equalization of gas pressure. A flow circulation loop is thereby created in a quasi-passive manner when suitably constructed.

Abstract: A laser system with a folded beam path is disclosed. The beam path is formed by a plurality of mirrors (18-21). Mirrors (18-21) reflect light in a closed loop from one mirror to the other. Electrodes are disposed on opposite sides of the path between the mirrors and form channels through which the path extends. In addition to serving to direct the beam in a closed loop, one of the mirrors may have the characteristic of reflecting one wavelength of light with a reflectivity of 100% while reflecting other wavelengths of light with a reflectivity of only 85%, such mirror thus acting to pass the other wavelength of light while completely reflecting the one wavelength of light. In one of the disclosed embodiments, four wavelengths of light are directed in a loop comprising mirrors 85% reflective to a wavelength while otherwise 100% reflective which promotes ring laser operations with respect to other wavelengths without passing such other wavelengths.

Abstract: A hybrid laser system, consisting of two different laser units, namely a reference laser (4), possibly an injection laser or a laser amplifier, and a transversely excited laser (TE-laser) (5), possibly a longitudinally pulsed or Q-switched laser, both lasers residing in a common housing. The first laser consists of a tube enclosing an isolated low pressure space and is bathed by coolant. The second laser is a high-pressure space enclosing a folded electrode system (14, 15). In order to achieve uniformity of temperature conditions and wavelength relations, both lasers share a common resonator volume (3) and are in fixed relative adjustment. The reference laser is used as a calibrating laser for frequency tuning of the resonator or, simultaneously, as a local oscillator, whereas the TE laser serves to generate a laser pulse.

Abstract: On one side of a waveguide laser (1), the cavity is terminated by two totally reflecting optical elements or by one totally reflecting element and one (partially) reflecting element (6; 7). The other side of the laser faces the long side (10") of a prism (10), in contact or with spacing, serving to fold the beam. A further prism (11) cooperates with one of the short sides (10') of the prism (10) cooperate to form a variable gap to influence the oscillation of the laser beam. If both of the optical elements (6; 7) are totally reflecting, the beam may be extracted from the cavity at this point. The function of the two prisms is that of a Q-switch with short operating times, which can also be designated as a frustration element.