Abstract: To automatically align a laser beam path with respect to an axis along which a movable carriage of a laser processing machine moves, the apparatus of this invention comprises means for detecting laser beam position at least when the carriage is positioned at a first and a second position, means for displaying the detected laser beam positions, and means for adjusting the mirror tilt angle. In the apparatus, the laser beam path is aligned with respect to the axis by actuating the mirror tilt angle adjusting means so that the second laser beam position on the display means is moved to coinside with the first laser beam position. The apparatus of this invention may comprise, instead of the display means, means for calculating an inclination angle of the laser beam with respect to the axis, based on the distance between the first and the second position, and distance between the first and the second laser beam position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cooling a slab-geometry solid state laser medium wherein at least one of the front or rear surfaces of the laser medium is in contact with a glass cover, and a coolant is passed over the outside of the glass cover.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-faceted reflector for use in pumping slab geometry solid state lasers. The present invention provides a multi-faceted reflector having a plurality of reflector segments which allow the reflector designer to alter the intensity profile along the longitudinal direction of the flashlamp without having to generate a continuous curve.

Abstract: A solid state laser medium for use in a solid state laser oscillator uses a hollow cylindrical solid state laser medium which is formed cylindrically in order to improve the cooling efficiency of the laser. The laser includes a pumping device for exciting the laser medium and an optical resonator that is arranged on both ends in the axial direction of the laser medium. The pumping device includes a plurality of flash lamps that are arranged on the outside, with respect to the central longitudinal access of the laser medium, of the outer surface of the hollow cylindrical laser medium and an outer reflector that is arranged so as to enclose the flash lamps and the laser medium, from the outside, with respect to the central longitudinal access of the laser medium, of the flash lamps, and a cylindrical inner reflector with outer diameter which is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the laser medium, the inner reflector being inserted in the cavity of the laser medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a specific holding structure of a slab geometry crystal for a total internal reflection, slab geometry laser (otherwise known as face pumped laser) device. Both sides of the crystal are held by side rails, and on both longitudinal end portions of the crystal o-ring backing flanges and box-shaped end pieces, respectively, are put on. Furthermore, an o-ring is put in between the end piece and the o-ring backing flange on each end portion of the crystal, and it is compressed to seal the crystal. This o-ring can be made of translucent elastomer. Accordingly, the slab geometry laser device that is compact and easy to remove from, or place into the pump station is provided.