Abstract: An optical assembly with mounting provided to effectively transfer heat away from an optic, such as a slab or waveguide amplifier or laser disk, while limiting internal stresses. The assembly includes an optic with a planar surface. A heat sink is positioned in the assembly with an upper surface next to the planar surface of the optic. The upper surface of the heat sink comprises a recessed surface defining a reservoir for containing a compliant heat transfer material. The assembly may further include a volume of the heat transfer material, such as a liquid metal or thermally conductive gel, in the reservoir of the heat sink. In one embodiment, the optic is a slab amplifier with a reflective coating or layer that directly contacts the heat transfer material in the heat sink reservoir or a foil or membrane is provided between the heat transfer material and the slab.

Abstract: An optical assembly with mounting provided to effectively transfer heat away from an optic, such as a slab or waveguide amplifier or laser disk, while limiting internal stresses. The assembly includes an optic with a planar surface. A heat sink is positioned in the assembly with an upper surface next to the planar surface of the optic. The upper surface of the heat sink comprises a recessed surface defining a reservoir for containing a compliant heat transfer material. The assembly may further include a volume of the heat transfer material, such as a liquid metal or thermally conductive gel, in the reservoir of the heat sink. In one embodiment, the optic is a slab amplifier with a reflective coating or layer that directly contacts the heat transfer material in the heat sink reservoir or a foil or membrane is provided between the heat transfer material and the slab.

Abstract: An oven for heating a crystal for nonlinear frequency conversion of a laser beam. A grasping device resiliently grasps together the first and second sides of the crystal while allowing for generally unrestricted thermal expansion of the crystal. A heater element and a temperature sensor are each supported by the grasping device and are each in thermal contact with the crystal. A temperature controller is connected to the heater element and the temperature sensor.

Abstract: An exemplary laser apparatus comprises an amplification medium which amplifies a coherent beam passing through the amplification medium, a pump which provides energy to the amplification medium, a tunnel having a first end proximate to the pump and a second end proximate to the amplification medium, wherein the energy provided by the pump passes through the tunnel en route to the amplification medium, and a moveable member for adjusting a spatial distribution of the energy provided to the amplification medium by the pump. The moveable member typically comprises a flat, reflecting strip or flap which redirects a portion of the energy of the pump beam to a peripheral region of the amplification medium. The angular and translational position of the flap is adjustable on line so that the pump distribution can be adjusted while the laser is running to reduce observed optical distortions caused by heating of the amplification medium.