Optical system for positioning laser beams in a straight or angular position

摘要

The present invention relates to an apparatus for cutting a workpiece comprising an energy source for providing a beam of energy and a directing mechanism for directing the beam energy from the energy source to a focal point. The beam of energy is provided along an axis. The directing mechanism includes a frame that is mounted to the energy source. A first focusing mechanism is provided to focus the beam of energy to a focal point that is along the axis. The first focusing mechanism is mounted to the frame between the energy source and the focal point. A first reflective mirror is slidably mounted to the frame between the energy source means and the first focusing means. The slidable mounting of the first reflective mirror allows the first reflective mirror to be moved into the path of the beam of energy and thereby cause a first reflected beam portion to be formed. A second reflective mirror is also mounted to the frame. The second reflective mirror is positioned to reflect the first reflected beam portion and thereby form a second reflected beam portion. A second focusing mechanism for focusing the second reflected beam portion to the focal point is mounted to the frame between the second reflective mirror and the focal point.