Abstract: A flexure/actuator is configured to reliably provide motion reduction, e.g. for positioning or adjusting telescope or other technical or scientific instrument components, preferably at cryogenic as well as higher temperatures. The flexure can be constructed to provide support and strength, preferably in all axes, such as may be needed to withstand launch forces. Preferably flexure axes are defined at upper and lower edges of sidewalls and at intermediate positions of sidewalls. Actuator activation adjusts distance between sidewall intermediate flexures and, by operation of sidewall flexures, adjusts the distance between upper and lower surfaces with a desired reduction ratio.

Abstract: A fast axial flow carbon dioxide laser has a laser head arranged to provide multiple folding of the laser beam into two, four or more linear passes. The construction of the head is such as to provide for generating either one laser beam or a pair of beams, by adjustment of optics. Located centrally in the laser head is a single exhaust manifold for exhausting all of the axially flowing gas from a series of colinear and spaced parallel discharge tubes on opposite sides of the exhaust manifold. Gas flow is from two outer inlet manifolds toward the central exhaust manifold, so that optics of the system are isolated from contamination and from the hot exhaust. Adequate distribution of gas within each discharge tube is assured by the manner in which the flowing gas is directed into the discharge tubes.

Abstract: Two concave spherical metal mirrors are used to scan a continuous wave laser beam for heat treating of metals. The mirrors are rotated in opposite directions and each is tilted at a small angle with respect to its axis of rotation. The frequencies of rotation of the mirrors are made constant by a precision timing drive linkage which also allows for phase adjustment. The beam deflection from an individual mirror describes an ellipse, but the deflection when added to that from the second mirror with the proper phase relationship to the first is a straight line. The input laser beam, which is too large in diameter for heat treating, is made to converge by the two mirrors, oriented so as to compensate for astigmatism. Spot size and scan width are adjustable over a wide range, as is scan frequency, which is equal to mirror rotational frequency. The scan produces a uniform, time-averaged distribution of power on the work piece.