Abstract: A gas laser device. The device includes a laser chamber having at least one active gas and a device for purifying gas. The purified gas is in communication with the free exchange of gas with the chamber. This device may be used with high powered gas lasers.

Abstract: An optical device for homogenizing a laser beam includes a plurality of abutting front lenses (LF.sub.nm) for dividing the laser beam to be homogenized into m.times.n laser beams, each having a substantially uniform cross section, and a substantially homogeneous energy distribution; a first intermediate plane (PI1) located in the focal plane of the front lenses (LF.sub.mn) and having a plurality of entrance pupils (PE.sub.ij) each of which is arranged at the focus of a front lens (LF.sub.mn) selected among said plurality of front lenses (LF.sub.mn); a second intermediate plane (PI2) having a plurality of exit pupils (PS.sub.ij), a collection lens (LC) capable of collecting the beams from the plurality of exit pupils (PS.sub.ij); and optical transmission means for individually transmitting the light beams from the plurality of entrance pupils (PS.sub.ij) to the plurality of exit pupils (PS.sub.kj).

Abstract: An optical device for homogenizing a laser beam is described. Such a device is commonly used in the surface treatment of an object. The device consists of front lenses that are bonded together to form an assembly of lenses that breaks the laser light into multiple beams. This results in the homogenization of the gaussian profile of the beam intensity as viewed perpendicular to the beam's propagation. Advantageously the matrix of lenses is formed using groves or bevels in a manner that minimizes losses resulting from light impinging on glue disposed upon the entire lateral surface of the front lenses. In the invention gaps between front lenses that cause interference with the light path are eliminated. This gap free bonding is accomplished by filling the groves or bevels with glue, inserting a rod or wire into the grove to assemble the front lenses in a support frame, bonding a grill to assembled front lenses, or by using a combination of gluing with a support frame.