Adjustable mounting unit for an optical element of a gas laser

摘要

An adjustable mounting unit for an optical element of a gas laser is provided. The typical gas laser for which the mounting unit will be used comprises a tube having a first end wall at one end and a second end wall at the other end, an optical axis extending longitudinally through the tube, and a port in the first end wall through which the optical axis passes. The mounting unit includes a rigid support structure having an aperture therein and an optical element mounted within the aperture. In addition, at least three adjustable mounting devices are used to attach the support structure to the laser tube. The mounting points are preferably selected so that they are displaced in an axial direction by substantially the same amount due to dimensional changes in the laser occurring during operation of the laser. When attached to the laser, the rigid support is spaced apart from the laser tube to allow for the adjustment of the angular positioning of the optical element. Furthermore, the aperture and optical element are disposed transverse to the optical axis and are aligned with the optical axis. Adjustment of the adjustable mounting devices changes the angular position of the optical element relative to the optical axis.