Laser beam alignment and transport system.

摘要

A system for aligning a high-power laser apparatus to transmit a high-power beam along an optimum beam path to an adjustable remote beam receiver and for aligning the beam receiver for optimum reception of the high-power beam. A low-power visible laser is directed along the same path as to be followed by the high-power laser and, a video camera is used for rough alignment. A pellicle, a partially reflecting mirror, and three low-power beam detectors are used with the low-power laser to align the beam transmitter with the beam receiver. An annular beam detector mounted near the beam transmitter and a second beam detector mounted near the beam receiver form part of the alignment checking system. A beam intensity reducer reduces the intensity of the high-power beam for use in alignment, since prolonged direct contact by a full-power beam with the detectors would damage the detectors. A method for aligning the laser beam transmitter and receiver is also described.