Abstract: A laser module includes an alignment plate having a template plate having a laser diode aperture and a photodiode aperture. A weld plate and a reflector are coupled to the template plate. The structure further includes a heat sink coupled to the alignment plate. A photodiode subassembly is mounted within the photodiode aperture and to the heat sink. Further, a laser diode subassembly is mounted within the laser diode aperture and to the heat sink. In the above manner, the photodiode subassembly, laser diode subassembly and reflected are precisely aligned.

Abstract: An optoelectric module includes a cylindrical ferrule defining an optical axis and having a first end constructed to receive an optical fiber aligned along the optical axis. A TO-can is positioned within the ferrule and has a first end with an optical element therein for conducting light therethrough. A base is affixed to the second end of the TO-can and to the second end of the ferrule. A laser is mounted within the TO-can so that light generated by the laser is directed through the optical element along the optical axis. A laser driver is mounted on the base and electrically connected to the laser. External connections to the laser driver are completed by either electrical traces on a surface of the base, vias through the base, or flexible leads mounted on the base.

Abstract: The laser beam optics for a robot link, wherein a first beam path of a first working laser beam is arranged on the longitudinal axis of the robot link, the first beam path is deflected at an end facing a workpiece into an axis-parallel second beam path, and a third beam path of a second working laser beam is axis-parallel to the first beam path in the robot link, have two optical elements arranged successively in one of the first and second beam paths of the first working laser beam. The two optical elements are transmissive for the first working laser beam in a transmission direction toward a workpiece and are adjusted relative to one another so as to compensate laser beam displacement of the first working laser beam. The second optical element arranged downstream receives the second working laser beam and reflects it toward the workpiece.

Abstract: A laser weapon system using a high energy deuterium fluoride (DF) or hydrogen fluoride (HF) laser, for which all necessary reactants and other materials are carried on an easily movable vehicle. Reactant gases are stored mixed with a diluent gas, such as helium, for ease of handling and to provide nearly ideal gas behavior. Cooling water for the laser is also employed in a high pressure steam generator that uses diesel fuel and oxygen to produce heat. Apart from a fluorine generator, the system uses only four storage tanks for reactant gases.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a laser-plumbing leveler with adjustable height of the horizontal line, which comprises a laser emitting device, a laser line (plane) projecting optical system, and a laser line (plane) rotating and/or moving unit, wherein the laser line (plane) projecting optical system comprises a horizontal laser unit, a vertical laser unit and/or inclined laser unit and so forth. The laser-plumbing leveler according to the invention can be used in building decoration or the like for positioning at different height in horizontal, vertical and inclined directions, and has the advantages of easy use, reliable leveling, simple construction and low price.

Abstract: An optical bench for processing laser light in a laser system, including an optical bench housing, a beam dump mounted to the optical bench housing so as to be in optical communication therewith, steering optics mounted within the optical bench housing for directing the laser light in a path from a laser light input to an output, and a mechanism for causing the laser light to deviate from the path and be directed into the beam dump upon recognition of a specified condition in the laser system, wherein the laser light is thermally isolated from the steering optics. The mechanism can either cause at least one optically reflective element to be inserted into the path, cause at least one optical element of the steering optics to have a change in position with respect to the path, and/or causes at least one optical element of the steering optics to be removed from the path.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for integrating a VCSEL with a SOA, comprising positioning a collimating lens adjacent to the output of the VCSEL, positioning a focusing lens adjacent to the input of the SOA, and positioning a movable lens between the collimating lens and the focusing lens, where the movable lens has a focal length significantly longer than the focal length of the focusing lens; and moving the movable lens relative to the focusing lens so as to adjust the focusing spot on the input of the SOA.

Abstract: During assembly of a transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA), an alignment in Z-direction between a fiber stub array (FSA) and a VCSEL array is performed first, then an alignment in X-Y direction is performed. A rough pre-alignment in X-Y direction may also be performed prior to the alignment in Z-direction. A vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) array may be hermetically sealed using a lens assembly or by using a separate lid assembly. The hermetic sealing and attaching of different components may be achieved by laser welding and/or soldering or any other suitable method.

Abstract: A planar wafer-level packaging method is provided for a laser and a monitor photo detector. The laser and photo detector are affixed to a planar substrate. A lens cap with a microlens is formed and affixed to the substrate with a seal. The lens cap forms a hermetically sealed cavity enclosing the laser and photo detector. Light from the laser is directed and shaped by the lens cap to couple into an external light guide. In an alternate method, the laser may be packaged using flip-chip assembly. A precision protrusion is also provided in the receptacle that fits into a photo-lithographically defined cavity in the substrate of the planar subpackage, thereby passively effecting and maintaining alignment of the axis of the microlens with respect to the central axis of the mating ferrule. The axial distance, in the direction of the laser beam, between the lens and the mating connector ferrule is controlled by the connector stop or front face of the MT ferrule.

Abstract: A laser level disposable on a reference surface includes a housing, a pendulum pivotably connected to the housing, a first laser diode disposed on the pendulum for emitting a first laser beam along a first path, and a lens disposed on the pendulum in the first path for converting the first laser beam into a first planar beam, the first planar beam forming a line on the reference surface.

Abstract: A method of attaching at least one component to a ring laser gyro block. The method may include positioning the component so that a mounting surface of the at least one component is substantially parallel to a mounting surface of the ring laser gyro block and applying a fluid adhesive to the exposed interface of the mounting surface of the at least one component and the mounting surface of the ring laser gyro block. The method also includes allowing the fluid adhesive to harden.

Abstract: Photon flow in an electromagnetic resonator is controlled, in a cavity having reflecting walls, by designing the cavity shape, size, reflectivity and/or medium therein so that the transition probability for the transition of photons between neighboring modes in the range between an initial resonant frequency and a target resonant frequency is larger than the probability for the absorption of photons.

Abstract: A laser safety enclosure structure has an outer enclosure made of a formable material with a limited ability to withstand exposure to a laser beam and an inner enclosure composed of a laser beam blocking material capable of indefinitely withstanding exposure to a laser beam of a given wavelength and power level so as to prevent such a laser beam incident on the blocking material from escaping the inner enclosure.

Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor laser device capable of being easily accurately mounted on the mounting portion of an optical pickup device. A semiconductor laser element is mounted on a side surface of a heat sink of a base via a submount, and a light-receiving element is mounted on an upper surface of the heat sink. A stem constructed by arranging two resin lead blocks on both sides of the base is covered with a cap, and a hologram element is arranged in an opening provided at an upper surface of the cap. Skirt portions constructed by partially extending peripheral surfaces of a long side of the cap are inserted into recess portions of the stem, and tip portions of projections projecting in the recess portions and inner surfaces of the skirt portions are joined to each other by resistance welding.

Abstract: A light adjustment device for a laser oscillating cavity has a laser base having a housing that defines a laser chamber that retains a laser diode therein, and a fixing seat disposed at one end of the housing. The light adjustment device also includes an upper cover that is removably coupled with the fixing seat to define a spherical groove, an adjuster body having a ball and an adjusting shaft, and an oscillating cavity holder adjustably retained inside a bore that extends through the ball.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system assembly is designed to integrate a laser. More particularly, laser is a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser. The MEMS assembly includes a micro-electromechanical substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface defined as having a first area and a second area. A first substrate bonding pad is positioned on the upper surface at a location within the first area, and a second substrate bonding pad is positioned on the upper surface at a location within the second area. Deposited upon the first and second substrate bonding areas are respective first and second solder material. A laser to be integrated in the MEMS assembly has a first laser bonding pad located on a first side, and a second laser bonding pad located on a second side. The laser is placed between the first substrate bonding pad and second substrate bonding pad such that they align with the respective first and second laser bonding pads.

Abstract: A laser-based jaw setting device for an accurate work holding jaw placement on a lathe, wherein the laser-based jaw setting device has a housing with a laser diode, an internal battery supply, and an operating switch mounted therein; and further having a main mounting plate secured to housing in order to releasably secure the laser-based jaw setting device to the desired lathe, especially a computer numeric controlled lathe.

Abstract: A lens cap (40) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention for a semiconductor laser package (not shown) includes an optical element (31) made of a plastic material and a housing (20). The housing includes a top portion (21), a cylindrical sidewall (25) and an annular flange 22. An opening (23) is defined in the top portion. A ridge (24) is formed along an edge of the opening and protrudes into the opening. The optical element is insert molded into the housing, providing a strong structure which is not easily damaged, while still allowing transmittal of light through the opening. Since the optical element is made of a plastic material, the lens cap is comparatively inexpensive.

Abstract: Plate springs as coupling members can absorb deformation of an oscillator case due to heat and do not transmit the deformation to two optical bases constituting an optical resonator, and it is thereby possible to maintain an appropriate positional relation between the optical cases A harmful deformation force is produced due to imperfect alignment deformation of bellows each of which is connected between the oscillator case and each optical base. The plate springs can also suppress the force acting on the two optical bases, and it is thereby possible to keep a laser optical axis of a laser beam to be a fixed position.

Abstract: A laser irradiation apparatus excellent in an irradiation efficiency and an irradiation quality, and an exposure method using the laser irradiation apparatus are provided, the apparatus comprising an optical unit including a semiconductor laser array in which a plurality of semiconductor lasers emitting laser beams are disposed, light propagation means for propagating the laser beams to deliver a propagated laser beam, and an optical device including a mask, on which irradiation patterns for irradiating the propagated laser beam are formed, and an image forming optical element for forming an image of the propagated laser beam irradiated from the irradiation patterns of the mask. The apparatus enables simultaneous scanning of a plurality of laser beams with uniform light intensity distribution.

Abstract: A laser controller interconnected with an electric discharge laser communicates with a remote computer incorporating a display screen programmably emulating a conventional keyboard. The display screen has a plurality of imaged virtual keys each programmably emulating a physical key of a conventional keyboard. Some virtual keys programmably emulate a prescribed sequence of keystrokes, which control, monitor, and record the laser operation. A prescribed sequence can optionally be automated, conditional, or interrupted by operator prompts. The remote computer communicates serially with the laser controller through an electrically conductive cable, a fiberoptic link, or a wireless channel. A keystroke is typically applied by manually pressing the position of a corresponding virtual key on a touch sensitive screen, or alternatively by actuating a conventional pointing device.

Abstract: An attachment for a hand held laser directed temperature measurement device includes a radiometer for invisible radiation detection and a laser beam generator for projection of visible laser light onto a target surface to identify a target area of measurement and includes a movable laser beam modifying carrier, such as a diffraction beam splitter, to display a selectable light pattern on the measurement target area.

Abstract: A wavelength tunable semiconductor vertical cavity surface emitting laser which includes at least one active element including an active layer generating an optical gain by injection of a current, and at least one phase control element, and mirrors. The phase control element contains a modulator exhibiting a strong narrow optical absorption peak on a short wavelength side from the wavelength of the laser generation. The wavelength control is realized by using a position-dependent electro-optical effect. If a reverse bias is applied, the absorption maximum is shifted to longer wavelengths due to the Stark effect. If a forward bias is applied, a current is injected and results in the bleaching and reduction of the peak absorption. In both cases a strong modulation of the refractive index in the phase control element occurs. The effect tunes the wavelength of the cavity mode, and the sign and the value of the wavelength shift are defined by the position of the modulator.

Abstract: A segmented-mirror vertical cavity surface emitting laser includes an active portion with an active region having at least one quantum well and a lateral dimension. A first mirror stack is positioned on a first opposed major surface of the active portion and extends laterally beyond the lateral dimension of the active region. A second mirror stack is positioned on the opposed major surface and extends laterally beyond the lateral dimension of the active region. The second mirror stack is segmented into two or more zones. In the case where there are two zones, in the first zone there would be a first reflectivity and a first thermal impedance, and in the second zone there would be a second reflectivity lower than the first reflectivity and a second thermal impedance lower than the first thermal impedance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for in situ protection of sensitive optical materials from alteration or damage due to exposure to trace atmospheric components, during shipping, storage or operation. The sensitive optical material is disposed within an enclosure adaptable to be substantially sealed against the external atmosphere. A container, enclosing a sink material absorbing trace atmospheric components, is coupled to the enclosure by a gas permeable surface, which allows fast diffusion of the trace atmospheric components present inside the enclosure to the sink material.

Abstract: A laser cavity assembly for high power optical range-finders consisting of two rods of lasing material co-axially mounted on a thin substrate of the same or thermally equivalent material, selected end-faces of the rods being bonded to layers or wafers of optical materials chosen from a group consisting of materials used in Q-switches, filters, matching transformers, linear polarizers and reflecting mirrors.

Abstract: A plurality of laser generators are provided to be environmentally separated from a machining station, and temperature, humidity, vibration, cleanliness and the like are detected by a sensor, and displayed. When an abnormal environment is detected, machining operation is stopped immediately or after a predetermined time elapsed. The laser generators are grouped according to each machining tool, and fiber-optic cable switching devices FC3 and FC4 are arranged for each group. By the switchover of the laser generator, and the selective connection of a fiber-optic cable by using the fiber-optic cable switching device, the degree of freedom in selecting the laser generator and the fiber-optic cable is produced.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar laser illumination beam is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD, a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith. The individual planar laser illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system.

Abstract: An automated laser diode testing and burn-in system is disclosed. Initial device data is obtained by applying current to the device at room temperature and measuring the device parameters. The device is then subjected to a burn-in process at higher temperatures. Device performance is monitored throughout the burn-in process. Upon termination of the burn-in process the devices are cooled to room temperature and the post burn-in device power is measured again under the same test conditions. If the device parameters have changed by more than a particular amount the device is rejected. Otherwise, the device is accepted and installed in the next level assembly.

Abstract: An electro-optical patternable mask is provided which is controllable by way of a processor for presenting a variety of patterns to electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment of the mask, the electro-optical mask includes an electrochromic layer that works in conjunction with deposited electrode layers (at least one with an x-y pixel array) to present a pattern of non-transmission (colored) and transmission (bleached clear) pixel cells. The sandwiched electrochromic material is supported in one embodiment with a UV grade support substrate with the electrochromic cells of the mask being individually (e.g., individual cells or small groups of individual cells in an array) controlled by a processor and interface to achieve a sequence of different or the same patterns to achieve desired ablation volume upon transmitting ultraviolet energy through the mask such as in conjunction with an opthalmic laser surgery process.

Abstract: A laser system 20 enables quickly releasing and replacing a laser source 41 mounted in a laser compartment 40 by interfacing engaging members 32,43 of the platform 40 and source 41, respectively to place the pre-aligned beam 42 in operative relation with the pre-aligned beam delivery system 31 and closing the compartment with a latchable 45 cover 44 without the use of any tools and without the need for any additional beam alignment.

Abstract: Laser beam positioners (300, 340) employ a steering mirror (236, 306) that performs small-angle deflection of a laser beam (270) to compensate for cross-axis (110) settling errors of a positioner stage (302). A two-axis mirror is preferred because either axis of the positioner stages may be used for performing work. In one embodiment, the steering mirror is used for error correction only without necessarily requiring coordination with the positioner stage position commands. A fast steering mirror employing a flexure mechanism and piezoelectric actuators to tip and tilt the mirror is preferred in semiconductor link processing (“SLP”) applications. This invention compensates for cross-axis settling time, resulting in increased SLP system throughput and accuracy while simplifying complexity of the positioner stages because the steering mirror corrections relax the positioner stage servo driving requirements.

Abstract: In the case where a central interval between the adjacent connection pads at the center thereof is smaller than the diameter of a beam spot of laser light and the length of each connection pad is several times as long as the central interval, the laser light can be irradiated entirely uniformly onto a desired connection pad without irradiating the laser light onto the adjacent connection pads and an interval between the condenser and the irradiation portion (connection pad) can be prevented from getting too close to each other. A probe jointing apparatus is provided with laser emitting means, a condenser for condensing laser light emitted from the laser emitting means at a jointing portion between the connection pads and the probes, and light path interception means for intercepting a part of light path of the laser light, wherein a beam spot of the laser light is trimmed by the light path interception means to be irradiated onto a desired connection pad.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a holographic laser and an optical pickup, with which it is possible to read from and write to a plurality of types of optical disks with different read wavelengths, and to achieve a more compact apparatus. The holographic laser includes for example a package, two semiconductor laser elements and a photodiode for reading out signals accommodated within the package, a holographic element positioned proximate to or in close contact with the top of a glass window, and a wavelength separating element positioned proximate to or in close contact with the top of the holographic element. The holographic laser is integrally formed as a single component.

Abstract: One or more single mode waveguide devices are fiber coupled such that signals to an optical element affect the coupling of the waveguide device to an optical fiber. A number of systems and methods are disclosed to adjust the coupling of the waveguide device to the optical fiber. These include dithering the tunable optical element at different frequencies along differing axes and using a lock-in technique to derive an error signal for each degree of motion, using a beamsplitter to form a secondary image of the focused beam on a position-sensitive detector, the use of a chiseled fiber to generate reflections from the angled facets, using an additional laser for a secondary image, or obtaining a secondary image from an angledfiber or a parasitic reflection.

Abstract: A laser projection apparatus includes a source for generating a laser beam, various optical elements for manipulating the laser beam in order to obtain a predetermined image projection of laser light, wherein the optical elements each have at least one optical axis, and connecting elements which connect the optical elements such that the optical axes of adjacent optical elements extend coaxially, which various optical elements are accommodated in separate modules, wherein the connecting elements are formed by couplings mutually coupling the modules so that direct mutual coupling of the modules with different optical elements ensures that the optical axes thereof extend coaxially and that the whole optical system is thus aligned.

Abstract: The laser processing apparatus includes lasers for emitting a plurality of laser beams of different wavelengths, a common phase grating for splitting the laser beams of different wavelengths into diffraction beams shaped in designed arrays, and a condenser lens for condensing the diffraction beams. The layout of the focused diffraction beam spots of each wavelength is decided in accordance with the design of the phase grating.

Abstract: Positioning marks 15, 16 are formed at predetermined positions with respect to an active layer 11 buried in an LD chip body 10. In an Au metallized layer 12 for solder joining on the active layer 11, marks 17, 18 for measurement are precisely formed by the same mask with which the positioning marks 15, 16 are formed. The marks 17, 18 for measurement are arranged closer to the active layer 11 in comparison with the positioning marks 15, 16. Therefore, the distances between the active layer 11 and the marks 17, 18 for measurement can be respectively measured with high accuracy. In mounting of the LD chip to a substrate in a passive alignment technique, relative positions of the active layer and the positioning marks are measured in advance with high accuracy and the LD chip can be mounted to the substrate by correcting both the relative positions. Thus, the LD chip is positioned with high accuracy to be mounted to the substrate.

Abstract: The gas laser oscillator of the invention comprises a discharge tube, a pair of electrodes disposed at both ends thereof, a direct-current high voltage power source for applying a direct-current high voltage in pulse form to the pair of electrodes, an output control device for controlling the direct-current high voltage power source, a fully reflective mirror provided at one end of the outside of the pair of electrodes, a partially reflective mirror disposed at other end of the outside of the pair of electrodes, and an absorber disposed outside of the partially reflective mirror. In thus constituted gag laser oscillator, the output control device controls to apply a same direct-current voltage as during processing between the pair of electrodes also on standby while the absorber is closed.

Abstract: A system for making small signal gain measurements of a chemical laser, such as an HF or DF laser. The system is adapted to measure the two dimensional (x,y) gain distribution in real time (i.e. 30 to 40 frames per second). The system includes a resonating galvanometer driven scanning mirror which is able to tilt in both the horizontal x and vertical y direction. The scanning mirror is used for scanning the gain profile of an HF/DF probe laser. The tiltable scanning mirror with appropriate optics, allows the laser beam from the probe laser to be scanned while remaining parallel to the nozzle exit plane of the laser and thus allows the two dimensional scanning of the gain distribution in real time (i.e. at rates up to 40 frames per second). As such, the system is adapted to be controlled by a personal computer with the data stored on a hard disk drive therewithin.

Abstract: A method of microdissection which involves: forming an image field of cells of the tissue sample utilizing a microscope, identifying at least one zone of cells of interest from the image field of cells which at least one zone of cells of interest includes different types of cells than adjacent zones of cells, and extracting the at least one zone of cells of interest from the tissue sample. The extraction is achieved by contacting the tissue sample with a transfer surface that can be selectively activated so that regions thereof adhere to the zone of cells of interest to be extracted. The transfer surface includes an activatable adhesive layer which provides chemical or electrostatic adherence to the selected regions of the tissue sample. After the transfer surface is activated the transfer surface and tissue sample are separated. During separation the zone of cells of interest remains adhered to the transfer surface and is thus separated from the tissue sample.

Abstract: A gain module is provided for a master oscillator pumped amplifier system of a solid state laser including a ceramic housing supporting a Nd:YAG lasing slab therein. The slab is fixed relative to the housing by a pair of oppositely disposed compliant and optically transmissive securing members fictionally wedged between the housing and the lasing slab. A plurality of fluid passages are formed in the housing so as to communicate with the lasing slab. As fluid overflows the slab, the compliant securing members prevent the slab from vibrating. Preferably, the securing members are formed as U-shaped polycarbonate bars frictionally engaging the slab on a first surface and positionally adjustable driver bars coupled to the housing via a set screw block on a second surface.

Abstract: A visible light alignment system mounted on a line narrowing module of a UV laser. The system includes an alignment platform on which a small visible light laser is mounted and beam directing optics to direct the visible light beam to reflect off an illumination surface of a first prism in a prism beam expander at an angle such that the visible light beam proceeds collinearly with the UV laser output beam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting components to an optical bench is provided. The mount allows the components to be easily detached, realigned, and remounted at will. Components that can use the mount include, but are not limited to, mirrors, output couplers, windows, filters, lenses, optical fibers, nonlinear crystals, active and passive Q-switches, piezoelectric elements, apertures, laser gain media, and detectors. The optical component is mounted to an upright portion of the optical mount, the upright portion being mounted to a base plate. The base plate includes a heater, such as a resistive heater, that is used to solder the base plate to the optical bench. Preferably the heater is electrically coupled to a pair of contacts located on the upright portion of the mount, thus providing an easy method of coupling a power source to the heater.

Abstract: Laser alignment methods and apparatus are disclosed whereby pipe and similar materials may be aligned. The methods and apparatus are adapted to be utilized on the end of pipe or other material and thereby using as a reference point that pipe or other material with the reference beam generated by the laser providing a center reference point from the pipe on which the laser is mounted. In a preferred embodiment, the laser apparatus mounting is threaded so as to be used in mating relationship with the ends of complimentarily threaded pipes. Another preferred embodiment utilizes caps of various sizes, adapted to be placed on a pipe end, with mounting means for the laser.

Abstract: A laser oscillation apparatus includes: a laser cavity unit for generating laser light by being provided a voltage and optically amplifying the generated light by means of a pair of mirrors; and a DC power source for supplying the voltage required for generating the laser light to a pair of discharge electrodes of the cavity unit. Each of a cathode and an anode of the DC power source is grounded via a grounding resistor.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing improved high power laser beams. An elongated reflector with a highly-reflective surface is utilized with a laser beam emitter, such as a broad area diode laser, a diode laser bar, or a diode laser array. The laser beams reflect off of the highly-reflective surface which is curved substantially parabolically. The reflected beams are collimated or otherwise shaped and/or coupled by manipulation of the size and shape of the elongated reflector and the placement of the laser beam emitter in association therewith. A system of lenses or mirrors may be used in conjunction with the reflecting apparatus to achieve enhanced beam quality. One-dimensional and two-dimensional laser arrays can also be fabricated utilizing a substrate containing laser beam emitters in communication with one or more grooves formed in the substrate, with parabolic reflecting surfaces formed in the grooves or with optical reflector members placed in the grooves.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting at least one component of a light source are provided. The apparatus includes a shield for the component, with this shield having a plurality of locations that are substantially transparent to an emission wave length of the light source. The shield is positioned such that during use of the light source, one of the substantially transparent locations of the shield is disposed between the at least one component of the light source and an object that is to be irradiated. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for advancing the shield upon activation of the light source or an element thereof in order to be able to dispose a different one of the substantially transparent locations of the shield between the at least one component of the light source and an object that is to be irradiated.

Abstract: A new laser oscillation device is provided which is capable of readily cooling down a laser medium without employing any large-size complicated separate or discrete devices such as fan blowers while at the same time improving the laser oscillation efficiency to thereby easily generate high-output laser light. To this end, a Lorentz force drive electromagnetic pump means and a cooling means are provided in a way such that the Lorentz force drive electromagnetic pump means is operable to drive the laser medium while allowing the cooling means to cool down the laser medium being driven.

Abstract: Method of processing, e.g., laser annealing, objects such as semiconductor devices with pulsed lasers with high production yield and high reproducibility so as to obtain good characteristics stably. The pulse width of the irradiated pulse beam is set to more than 30 nsec to stabilize the processing. To achieve a pulse width exceeding 30 nsec, plural lasers are connected in series or in parallel and excited successively.