Abstract: The compact, laser cavity with a single-axis scanning element as the optical Q-switch incorporates all optical components required for a short-pulse laser. These optical components are ‘locked’ into alignment forming an optical laser cavity for diode laser or flash lamp pumping. The optical laser cavity does not need optical alignment after it is fabricated. Unfortunately, during the alignment process of the optical laser cavity there are small shifts due to the bonding process of the optical elements. These small shifts introduce alignment errors which results in a decrease in output energy and beam quality. The improvement presented adds a single circular wedge prism that corrects these alignment errors returning the output back to its optimum energy output and beam quality.

Abstract: The compact, laser cavity with a single-axis scanning element as the optical Q-switch incorporates all optical components required for a short-pulse laser. These optical components are ‘locked’ into alignment forming an optical laser cavity for diode laser or flash lamp pumping. The optical laser cavity does not need optical alignment after it is fabricated. Unfortunately, during the alignment process of the optical laser cavity there are small shifts due to the bonding process of the optical elements. These small shifts introduce alignment errors which results in a decrease in output energy and beam quality. The improvement presented adds a single circular wedge prism that corrects these alignment errors returning the output back to its optimum energy output and beam quality.