Abstract: A compact gauge (10) for effectively measuring the surface roughness of an article (14) in any direction of lay includes: first means (30) for directing a light beam (32) upon a surface (12) of the article (14), second means (34) for providing a first signal proportional to the specular light reflected from the surface (12), the first and second means (30,34) defining a common plane (40), third means (58) for providing a second signal proportional to the diffused light reflected from the surface (12) in the common plane (40), and fourth means (61) for providing a third signal proportional to the diffused light reflected from the surface (12) to the side of the common plane (40). The subject gauge (10) includes a sensor head (28) that can be miniaturized and electrical circuit means (66,104) that can process the signals and provide a direct reading in micrometers independent of the reflectivity level of the surface.

Abstract: An optical system for directing a beam of corpuscular energy such as a laser beam is provided and includes a fixed mirror mounted at 45.degree. to the longitudinal axis of the beam so as to deflect the beam substantially 90.degree. to impinge upon a fixed concave mirror located at the forward end of the optical system housing. The beam is then reflected and converged back to a convex mirror mounted on a cylindrical mount within a centrally disposed bore in the 45.degree. mirror and then forwardly through a similar aperture in the concave mirror where it passes out through the forward end of the housing to a point of focus on, for example, a workpiece. The convex mirror mounting arrangement provides for three degrees of freedom whereby focusing and adjustment of the optical system is accomplished by merely adjusting one of the three mirrors while holding two of the mirrors fixed.

Abstract: A fluid cooled lens assembly is provided which comprises a housing mounting a lens or window where a window is a lens with infinite radius of curvature therein and a cooling passage included in said housing for directing coolant fluid around the lens periphery from an inlet through an outlet in the housing. Turbulators in the form of protuberances spaced throughout the cooling passage restrict the flow of fluid and thereby cause turbulence to assist and enhance the heat transfer effect of the fluid. The cooling passage turbulators are formed within one of a pair of mounting rings comprising the housing.

Abstract: A system for cooling a mirror such as a laser mirror is provided. The system includes a mirror having a reflective surface and a plurality of coolant chamber cavities arranged in serial order from an inlet to an outlet. Restrictive flow passages formed within walls between the cavities control coolant flow and produce desired turbulence within the cavities for enhanced heat transfer from the mirror to the coolant.

Abstract: A fluid cooled laser mirror includes a body defining internal chamber means made up of inner and outer chambers generally separated by a wall defined by the body. An inlet port communicates with the inner chamber, and outlet ports communicate with the outer chamber. The wall defines a plurality of passages therethrough, allowing communication between the inner and outer chambers, so that cooling fluid may flow into the center of the body in the inner chamber, through the passages of the wall, into the outer chamber, and from the outlet ports. Vanes are appropriately placed to properly direct and guide cooling fluid so that it cools in a highly efficient manner.