Abstract: An apparatus includes an optical device that includes a substrate, a first layer of material over the substrate, and a second layer of material comprising an optical coating over the first layer of material. The first layer of material creates a first stress within the optical device that counteracts a second stress within the optical device created by the second layer of material. The optical device may also include a third layer of material positioned between the substrate and the first layer of material. In some cases, the second layer of material creates a compressive stress within the optical device, and the first layer of material creates a tensile stress within the optical device that counteracts the compressive stress within the optical device.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an optical device that includes a substrate, a first layer of material over the substrate, and a second layer of material comprising an optical coating over the first layer of material. The first layer of material creates a first stress within the optical device that counteracts a second stress within the optical device created by the second layer of material. The optical device may also include a third layer of material positioned between the substrate and the first layer of material. In some cases, the second layer of material creates a compressive stress within the optical device, and the first layer of material creates a tensile stress within the optical device that counteracts the compressive stress within the optical device.

Abstract: An optical mount is used for mounting an optical element, such as a beam splitter or a mirror, to a housing. The optical mount includes a pair of optical element retainer clamps that secure a first side of the optical element at respective first securement points on one of the major surfaces of the optical element, and also engage a first edge. A whiffletree retainer clamp secures a second side of the optical element at a second securement point on the one of its major surfaces. The whiffletree retainer clamp couples a whiffletree retainer to the housing, with the whiffletree retainer engaging a second edge along the second side of the device. The whiffletree retainer is positionally adjustable, for example able to pivot. Pivot pads may be used in at least some of the engagements to secure the optical element. The pivot pads may be segments of ball bearings.

Abstract: An optical mount is used for mounting an optical element, such as a beam splitter or a mirror, to a housing. The optical mount includes a pair of optical element retainer clamps that secure a first side of the optical element at respective first securement points on one of the major surfaces of the optical element, and also engage a first edge. A whiffletree retainer clamp secures a second side of the optical element at a second securement point on the one of its major surfaces. The whiffletree retainer clamp couples a whiffletree retainer to the housing, with the whiffletree retainer engaging a second edge along the second side of the device. The whiffletree retainer is positionally adjustable, for example able to pivot. Pivot pads may be used in at least some of the engagements to secure the optical element. The pivot pads may be segments of ball bearings.

Abstract: A laser apparatus includes a hollow cylindrical solid state laser medium and an optical resonator having reflective surfaces at each end of the laser medium in the axial direction of the laser medium for causing a light emitted into the laser medium to travel back and forth along the elongated axial direction of the laser medium. One of the reflective surfaces of the optical resonator is shaped to reflect the beam at an angle to the beam impinging thereagainst to thereby walk the beam tangentially around the hollow cylindrical solid state laser medium at a fixed radial distance from the elongated axis of the laser medium. An exit slot is formed in one of the reflective surfaces. A pumping means for exciting the laser medium includes at least one flashlamp positioned adjacent the laser medium along the laser medium axis through the hollow cylindrical portion of the laser.

Abstract: An optical mount is used for mounting an optical element, such as a beam splitter or a mirror, to a housing. The optical mount includes a pair of optical element retainer clamps that secure a first side of the optical element at respective first securement points on one of the major surfaces of the optical element, and also engage a first edge. A whiffletree retainer clamp secures a second side of the optical element at a second securement point on the one of its major surfaces. The whiffletree retainer clamp couples a whiffletree retainer to the housing, with the whiffletree retainer engaging a second edge along the second side of the device. The whiffletree retainer is positionally adjustable, for example able to pivot. Pivot pads may be used in at least some of the engagements to secure the optical element. The pivot pads may be segments of ball bearings.